Netanyahu to Address UN as Israel Faces Ongoing War and Looming Conflict

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stood at the U.N. General Assembly a year ago proclaiming a new wave of peace sweeping through the Middle East, now faces a starkly different reality. As he prepares to return to that same international stage, his vision of peace lies in disarray.

This week marks almost a year since the devastating war in Gaza began. Israel teeters on the brink of a broader conflict with Hezbollah, a Lebanese group backed by Iran. The prime minister’s international standing has diminished, and he faces protests against his leadership, both globally and within Israel.

Adding to his challenges, Netanyahu is rumored to be facing an imminent arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, placing him in the company of leaders such as Vladimir Putin and former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir.

“He arrives almost at a point of being persona non grata,” said Alon Liel, a former director-general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry who has been critical of Netanyahu’s policies.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the General Assembly again on Friday. Known for his compelling speeches, he often views these platforms as opportunities to resonate with his Israeli audience, captivating them with his eloquent English and passionate delivery. Earlier this year, he defended Israel’s stance on the Gaza conflict in front of a joint session of the U.S. Congress, receiving applause even from some domestic critics.

“Any trip to New York is seen by him as an opportunity,” noted Yossi Shain, a professor of international relations at Georgetown and Tel Aviv University. Shain emphasized that Netanyahu’s speeches are largely intended to impress Israeli citizens, reinforcing his desired image at home.

Over the years, Netanyahu has utilized the U.N. stage to promote his ideology and policies. In a notable 2012 speech, he famously presented a cartoon bomb to illustrate his alarm over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In another appearance in 2009, he brought documents related to the Nazi death camps to highlight what he believed were the antisemitic intentions of a former Iranian leader.

Last year, he focused on what he termed progressive normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that Middle East peace didn’t hinge solely on resolving the Palestinian issue. He even showcased a map that appeared to incorporate Gaza and the West Bank entirely within Israel’s borders, repeating the term “peace” 42 times.

This year, however, as he arrives at the U.N., Netanyahu’s political capital and legitimacy appear to be at an all-time low. Critics are skeptical of what he can realistically accomplish during this visit.

“He is a great believer in speechmaking,” remarked Tal Schneider, an Israeli political commentator. “He thinks that delivering a speech in English can persuade others of his righteousness,” describing his belief as somewhat disconnected from reality.

Despite Netanyahu’s optimism, he faces a challenging audience internationally. He will need to persuade a world increasingly frustrated with Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, seek support for potential military actions against Hezbollah, and lay blame on Iran for the region’s turmoil. His impending speech takes on added significance amid heightened tensions with Hezbollah.

Yet, many believe that his words may fall on deaf ears. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul general in New York, stated that Netanyahu fundamentally believes his U.N. speeches can change the course of history, while in reality, that is not the case.

Protests are anticipated during Netanyahu’s visit, particularly in New York, where Columbia University has recently witnessed significant demonstrations against the violence in Gaza.

Netanyahu has long been a divisive figure globally, often criticized for his hardline policies towards Palestinians. His administration’s handling of the Gaza war has only intensified international backlash. Following Hamas’s attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mainly civilians, many Israelis hold Netanyahu accountable for the circumstances that allowed such an attack to transpire.

To date, over 41,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in the ongoing war, with thousands of families affected. The crisis has led to severe humanitarian issues among the Gaza Strip’s 2.3 million residents. Efforts for a cease-fire, led by the U.S., have stalled, and Netanyahu faces mounting criticism for not securing the release of approximately 70 hostages believed to still be alive.

Initially, Israel had strong support from its allies following the Hamas attack, but the scale of its retaliatory strikes and the subsequent civilian impact have soured opinions internationally. The Biden administration has shown increasing impatience and has halted certain arms deliveries, while the U.K. has suspended some exports to Israel over concerns of potential illegal activity.

As Netanyahu approaches the U.N. this week, the potential arrest warrant looms large, transforming a leader who perceives himself as a global statesman into a controversial figure on the world stage. Speculation suggests that few world leaders will be eager to meet with him on the sidelines, casting doubt on the effectiveness of this trip for Netanyahu.

“He undoubtedly knows how to deliver a speech,” Liel remarked. “However, the credibility of his words seems to be diminishing.”

Source: Associated Press