Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a historic warning in his United Nations address Friday, using his platform to send a direct message to Hamas. The Netanyahu UN speech reached Gaza through “massive loudspeakers” and hacked cellphone livestreams, ensuring that both Hamas leaders and Israeli hostages heard him.
“Free the hostages now or lose your lives,” Netanyahu declared. “Lay down your arms … Free the hostages. All of them, the whole 48 … If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
The prime minister read aloud the names of every remaining hostage in Hebrew and English, vowing, “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.”
Netanyahu also blasted Western governments that rewarded Hamas with recognition of a Palestinian state. “This is not an indictment of Israel,” he said. “It’s an indictment of weak-kneed leaders who appease evil rather than support a nation whose brave soldiers guard you from the barbarians at the gate.”
The Israeli leader warned that legitimizing terrorism invites more bloodshed. “Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving al Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11. This is sheer madness. It’s insane. And we won’t do it.”
His conclusion was blunt: “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere. It will be a mark of shame on all of you.”
