Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful speech at the United Nations in New York, accusing Australia and other nations of recognizing a Palestinian state, which he claimed signals to terrorists that “murdering Jews pays off.” Netanyahu’s remarks came in the wake of the October 7, 2023, massacre, drawing parallels to granting Al-Qaeda a state near New York City after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Netanyahu’s address, marked by strong rhetoric, criticized Western leaders for yielding to media pressure and antisemitism. “This is sheer madness, it’s insane, and we won’t do it,” he declared. “Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats. We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.”
Despite a significant walkout by delegates, leaving Netanyahu to speak to a largely empty General Assembly Hall, those who remained, particularly the Israeli delegation, responded with applause. Netanyahu’s speech was laced with references to Australia, highlighting antisemitic incidents and questioning the rationale behind recognizing a Palestinian state.
Australia’s Recognition of Palestinian State
Australia’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state aligns with similar moves by Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, although it carries limited practical consequences. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese justified the decision as a step towards a two-state solution, citing commitments from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to hold democratic elections and implement governance reforms.
Netanyahu, however, dismissed these promises as hollow, accusing the Palestinian Authority of corruption and inciting violence against Jews. “They haven’t held elections in 20 years. They use the same textbooks as Hamas. They teach their children to hate Jews and destroy the Jewish state,” he stated.
Historical Context and Ongoing Conflict
Netanyahu’s objections to a Palestinian state are not new. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a long-standing issue, with the core contention being the Palestinians’ refusal to accept a Jewish state. Netanyahu emphasized that this rejection is the root cause of the conflict, expressing disbelief at Western leaders’ failure to recognize this “basic truth.”
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that a resolution to the ongoing conflict, including the release of hostages held by Hamas, might be near. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House, potentially discussing further strategies to address the crisis.
Western Support and Criticism
Netanyahu’s speech also criticized Western nations for their inconsistent support of Israel’s fight against Hamas and other Islamist groups. “When the going got tough, you caved,” he accused. “For much of the past two years, Israel has had to fight a seven-front war against barbarism with many of your nations opposing us.”
He urged Western leaders to stand with Israel against jihadist threats, asserting that appeasement is not a viable strategy. “To overcome that storm, you have to stand with Israel. But that’s not what you’re doing,” he warned.
Call for Hostage Release
In a poignant moment, Netanyahu addressed the 48 hostages held by Hamas, communicating directly to them via loudspeakers in Gaza. He called on Hamas to “lay down your arms” and release the hostages, offering a stark ultimatum: “If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
Australia and Albanese have also advocated for the hostages’ release, reiterating that a peaceful resolution requires establishing a Palestinian homeland, excluding Hamas’s influence.
Netanyahu’s UN address underscores the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and the challenges of achieving lasting peace. As global leaders weigh their positions, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a contentious issue on the international stage.
