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Netanyahu warns world again over Iran danger in UN address
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) yesterday evening and admonished the world for its tolerance of Iranian aggression and the recent nuclear deal with Tehran.
Netanyahu has consistently and vocally opposed the July deal which will likely see international sanctions lifted in return for a slowdown of Iranian nuclear development for the next decade. Netanyahu reiterated that “the greatest danger facing our world is the coupling of militant Islam with nuclear weapons.” Not only is the world “celebrating this bad deal” said Netanyahu, but “rushing to embrace and do business with a regime openly committed to our destruction.”
Netanyahu listed pledges by Iran’s leaders to destroy Israel during just the last month, saying “Iran’s rulers promise to destroy my country. Murder my people.” Yet, said Netanyahu, the response of the UN and “from nearly every one of the governments represented here has been absolutely nothing! Utter silence! Deafening silence.” Dramatically emphasising the point, Netanyahu remained silent for the following 45 seconds.
Emphasising that Israel’s concerns are shared, Netanyahu said that, “Many in our region know that both Iran and ISIS are our common enemies.” He explained that, “Israel is working closely with our Arab peace partners to address our common security challenges from Iran and also the security challenges from ISIS and from others.” He added, “Common dangers are clearly bringing Israel and its Arab neighbours closer.”
He also addressed the prospect of peace with the Palestinians. Netanyahu repeated a pledge he has made on several occasions recently, “I am prepared to immediately resume direct negotiations with the Palestinian Authority without any preconditions whatsoever.” However, he added “Unfortunately, President Abbas said yesterday that he is not prepared to do this. I hope he changes his mind.” Abbas told the UNGA on Wednesday that the PA is no longer bound by peace agreements with Israel. Appealing to Abbas, Netanyahu said “I know it’s hard. But we owe it to our peoples to try.”