Comment: PM Netanyahu's Speech at the UN General Assembly

PM Netanyahu addressing the UNGA (source: here) 

On the 1st of October, PM Netanyahu delivered a speech before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), focusing primarily on Iran.

He reminded the Iranian people that once upon a time Persia helped the Jewish People returning to Israel and rebuilding their Holy Temple, by decree (i.e. their revolutionary leaders' fanaticism is undermining what could still be a healthy relationship today). The Israeli PM also shared a compelling personal story (that took place in Europe), which in my opinion served two purposes: 1- to remind Am Yisrael that Israel is their eternal home; 2- to tell Europe that none of its efforts to undermine Israel and the Jewish people will succeed (they haven't in the past, they won't in the future). 

But there were some other messages that were particularly worthy of attention: 

"Rohani denounces, quote, 'attempts to change the regional balance through proxies.' Yet, Iran is actively destabilizing Lebanon, Yemen, Bahrain and many other Middle Eastern countries."

Comment: the world needs to be constantly reminded that Iran commands Hezbollah, a terrorist group that not only destabilises Lebanon but also every other country where it operates (in African nations, Brazil, EU etc). And Iran, of course, has direct interest in destabilising the Middle East, in its strive to overthrow Sunni regimes.

"And Iran is building now ICBMs that the United States says could reach this city in three or four years. (...) Iran is not building a peaceful nuclear program; Iran is developing nuclear weapons."

Comment: the PM is reminding the US why it should be careful, and suspicious, about this recent rapprochement. The danger is not over; the US could be a target if Iran is not stopped in time. The Iranian behaviour, its constant campaigns of disinformation and deflection support the Israeli leader's warning. 

"Yet Iran faces one big problem, and that problem can be summed up in one word: sanctions. (...) And that policy today is bearing fruit. Thanks to the efforts of many countries, many represented here, and under the leadership of the United States, tough sanctions have taken a big bite off the Iranian economy." 

Comment: PM Netanyahu seemed to contradict himself because he previously said "Iran is developing nuclear weapons" and here he says that sanctions were bearing fruit - bearing fruit would mean that the nuclear weapon programme had actually come to a halt during sanctions, which is not the case. Therefore, if he did not make a mistake then he was trying to subtly convey that not even sanctions will suffice to stop Iran's ambitions (although the ordinary Iranian citizen is feeling the pinch due to these punitive measures). On a side note, I would like to point to an interesting detail: Iran claims that sanctions have taken its toll, however Iran still has the means to pay US$1 million dollars to a Belgian citizen and to an Anti-Zionist Haredi to spy in and on Israel. Money seems to abound in Persia (and perhaps we should ask Brazil how). 

"He definitely wants to get the sanctions lifted (..) But he doesn't want to give up Iranians' nuclear - Iran's nuclear weapons program in return." 

Comment: as per Iranian Foreign Minister's, Javad Zarif, words "Iran is prepared to start negotiating.... We are willing to engage in negotiations. Of course the United States also needs to do certain things very rapidly," and "One [condition] is to dismantle its illegal sanctions against Iran that are targeting ordinary Iranians," - Iran considers the sanctions illegal; meaning that it isn't even ready to acknowledge its responsibilities concerning its dubious nuclear programme. If you click here, you will be able to read what else FM Zarif said about their unwillingness to relinquish the nuclear programme. Besides, no matter how sympathetic President Rohani may sound we must remember that he does not have decision-making power regarding the nuclear programme: the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei does.  

"[Rohani] said in his 2011 book about his time as Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, and I quote: "While we were talking to the Europeans in Tehran, we were installing equipment in Isfahan. (..)"

Comment: Iran is the master of deception; we all know it. What will be interesting to see is how the Political Al Capone will deal with the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. 

"Israel will not allow Iran to get nuclear weapons. If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone. Yet, in standing alone, Israel will know that we will be defending many, many others."

Comment: this passage complements the words delivered, by the POTUS, a few weeks ago "And our ally, Israel, can defend itself with overwhelming force, as well as the unshakeable support of the United States of America." - PM Netanyahu & President Obama seem to be in synch. Bibi is also reminding the Arab Gulf nations that if Israel is forced to act, it will actually be doing them a huge favour as well. 

"The dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran and the emergence of other threats in our region have led many of our Arab neighbors to recognize, finally recognize, that Israel is not their enemy (...) Israel welcomes engagement with the wider Arab world."

Comment: the future conjuncture will eventually push the Arab nations to enter in some sort of agreement with Israel. Doing so, will benefit all parties. Again, these passage is a complement to Pres. Obama's words, before the UNGA, "(..) ties of trade and commerce between Israelis and Arabs could be an engine of growth and opportunity at a time when too many young people in the region are languishing without work". Such ties are the de facto foundation of peace in the Middle East. 

"We want peace based on security and mutual recognition, in which a demilitarized Palestinian state recognizes the Jewish state of Israel. I remain committed to achieving an historic reconciliation and building a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

Comment: it's not much to ask, if Palestinians really want peace. PM Netanyahu is under immense pressure, from several groups, to annul the Oslo Accords. These passage shows his willingness to compromise in the name of peace. 

"But so far the Palestinian leaders haven't been prepared to offer the painful concessions they must make in order to end the conflict."

Comment: I understand the Palestinian position, after all PA is rooted in a terrorist organisation (whose members still influence the debate) and Hamas is overpowering the organisation acknowledged, by the Accords, as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. But if PA is not able to control is environment, Israel will have no other choice...

"The people of Israel have come home never to be uprooted again."

"ולא ינתשו עוד, מעל אדמתם אשר נתתי להם"
(עמוס 9:טו)