In a furious UN speech on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state, accusing European leaders of encouraging Hamas and driving his nation to "national suicide."
Even as President Donald Trump said he believed he had reached an agreement on a ceasefire, Netanyahu threatened to "finish the job" against Hamas, claiming his speech was partially relayed on Israeli military loudspeakers in Gaza.In the days following the recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain, France, and other Western nations, Netanyahu claimed that they had delivered "a very clear message that murdering Jews pays off."
"Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats," Netanyahu stated.
"We will not commit national suicide because you don't have the guts to face down the hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel's blood."
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the most devastating strike on Israel in history, which led to an unrelenting Israeli offensive in Gaza.
After the United States denied him a visa, Hamas adversary Mahmud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, effectively made his own speech Thursday, denouncing the attack and antisemitism.
After decades of opposing a Palestinian state, Netanyahu ridiculed Western backing for Abbas and referred to the Palestinian Authority as "corrupt to the core."
But according to Adel Atieh, a Palestinian foreign ministry official, Netanyahu's statement was "the speech of a defeated man."
Notably, Netanyahu avoided discussing the annexation of the West Bank, which some of his cabinet members have vowed to do in order to destroy any chance of a legitimate Palestinian state.
Trump, who is typically a strong supporter of Netanyahu, has issued a warning against annexation while promoting a peace proposal for Gaza that calls on Hamas to disarm.
Netanyahu made a special effort to compliment Trump, whom he will visit in Washington on Monday.
