Netanyahu: Israel wants peace, but is fighting for its survival

(Patria) - Israel wants peace despite fighting for its survival in the face of "brutal enemies" who want to destroy it, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated today addressing the UN General Assembly.

- My country is at war, fighting for its survival. We must defend ourselves against these brutal killers. Our enemies are not just trying to destroy us, they want to destroy our common civilization and return us all to the dark ages of tyranny and terror - Netanyahu asserted.

He addressed the United Nations at a time when Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, amid growing fears of a regional war breaking out in the Middle East. Hundreds of people have been killed in Lebanon in Israeli attacks.

The Israeli Prime Minister attempted to blame Iran, which supports Hezbollah, for the conflict. He emphasized that Israel is defending itself against Tehran on seven fronts.

- There is no place in Iran that Israel cannot reach. And this is true for the entire Middle East. Israeli soldiers are far from being sacrificial lambs, they are fighting with incredible courage...

I have another message for this assembly and for the world outside this hall: 'We are winning' - Netanyahu said, to applause, while some delegates, including Iranians, left the hall.

He added that the war in Gaza could end if Hamas extremists, who attacked Israel on October 7, surrender, lay down their arms, and return the hostages taken during the raid.

Ahead of the speech, Netanyahu said that Israel would continue talks on ceasefire proposals in Lebanon in the coming days, while Washington warned that further escalation of the conflict would make it difficult for civilians to return on both sides.