Netanyahu says in a UN speech that Israel must defeat Hezbollah while calling for a ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a stark warning to Iran in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, saying Israel was determined to defeat Hezbollah.

Several United Nations delegates left the room as Netanyahu began his address.

“I wasn’t planning on coming here this year. My country is at war and fighting for its life,” the Prime Minister said. “But after hearing the lies and slanders of many speakers on this podium about my country, I decided to come here and set the record straight.”

Netanyahu continued to push for a “total victory” in Gaza and called on Hamas to surrender and release all remaining Israeli hostages. He also said Israel rejects any scenario in which Hamas retains control of Gaza after the war.

Much of his speech took aim at Iran and Hezbollah as fighting increased in Lebanon and some officials fear an all-out war in the region.

“I have a message to the tyrants of Tehran: If you beat us, we will beat you,” Netanyahu said. “There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that applies to the entire Middle East.”

Netanyahu did not reference the Biden administration’s proposed 21-day ceasefire plan to end the conflict in Lebanon, which has become the latest point of contention between the White House and Netanyahu’s government.

But the Israeli leader showed no signs of backing down, saying they “will continue to humiliate Hezbollah until all of our goals are achieved.”

“As long as Hezbollah chooses the path of war, Israel has no choice, and Israel has every right to eliminate this threat and return our citizens safely to their homes, and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.