In UN speech, Netanyahu holds map showing West Bank, Gaza as part of Israel
Threatens Iran, says the world must choose between a ‘blessing’ and a ‘curse’
In his address to the UN General Assembly on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu displayed two maps, which did not identify the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, but showed all the territory as part of Israel.
Holding the maps, Netanyahu said the world much choose between a “blessing” and a “curse.”
The first one showed Israel’s potential Arab allies in the region, while the second Iran and its allies. Both the maps expunged Gaza and the West Bank.
Netanyahu issued stern warnings to Iran, saying: "I have a message for Tehran, if you strike us, we will strike you.”
“There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that's true of the entire Middle East,” he added.
He condemned the world for “appeasing Iran for too long,” asserting that such appeasement “must end now.”
He expressed support for any peaceful civilian governance in the Palestinian enclave. “We are ready to work with regional and other partners to support a local civilian administration in Gaza.”
Netanyahu also announced the continuation of military actions in Lebanon, where its forces have killed hundreds in extensive airstrikes this week, saying: “I've come here today to say enough is enough. We won't rest until our citizens can return safely to their homes.”