Speaking before a nearly empty assembly, Netanyahu claimed Israel has “crushed the bulk” of Hamas’ “terror machine” as the war in Gaza approaches the end of it second year.
But in major signal to the people of Gaza, Israel placed loudspeakers around the border to beam the speech live.
His forces also reportedly gained access to phones across the Gaza strip to broadcast his address
The Prime Minister’s office said this was part of an “informational effort” – with part of his message aimed directly at the hostages.
Netanyahu said: “I’ve surrounded Gaza with massive loudspeakers connected to this microphone with the hope that our dear hostages will hear my message.
“Our brave heroes, this is Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking to you live from the United Nations.
“We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you.
“We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.”
Any Gazans listening will have heard Netanyahu decry the idea of recognising a Palestinian state.
It comes after several countries including Britain, France, Canada and Australia all recognised Palestine this month – pushing the number of UN members doing so over 150.
away if Hamas agreed to Israel’s demands.
He said Israel should have “overriding security control” of the Gaza Strip while Hamas would need to “demilitarise”.
“A peaceful civilian authority would be established by Gazans and others committed to peace with Israel,” Netanyahu said.
But many figures in the Israeli government have called for their country to go further in response to Western recognition of Palestine.
Some members of the administration are even calling for a full takeover of the West Bank, another Palestinian territory – but swathes of which are occupied and settled by Israel.
The proposal has been met with a lot of international pushback, with Donald Trump saying he “will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank”.
Bibi’s bombshell quotes
On the conflict in Gaza:
“Israel must finish the job in Gaza as fast as possible.” He mentioned that the “final remnants of Hamas are holed up in Gaza City” and defended Israel’s actions, stating, “Would a country committing genocide plead with the civilian population it is supposedly targeting to get out of harm’s way?”
Direct address to Hamas:
“Lay down your arms. Free all [the] hostages now… If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
Message to hostages:
“We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you, we will not falter, and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.”
On international recognition of a Palestinian state:
“You are giving a massive prize to terror.” He warned that recognising a Palestinian state would”endanger peace rather than advance it.”
