In divisive UN address, Israel's Netanyahu labels India a 'blessing', Iran a 'curse'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations, marking his first speech since the Gaza war. He highlighted Iran as a major source of conflict in the Middle East, using two maps to illustrate his points. These maps controversially included Palestinian territories like the West Bank and Gaza as part of Israel.

One map labeled Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen as "The Curse," painting them in black. The other map showed Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and India in green, calling them "The Blessing." The maps also included the Golan Heights region in Syria as part of Israel.

Netanyahu aimed to emphasize Israel's improving relations with neighboring Arab countries. He stated, "I have a message for Tehran, if you strike us, we will strike you." Netanyahu also warned, “There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that's true of the entire Middle East.”


The maps and Netanyahu's speech seemed to underscore the divide between nations he views as allies and adversaries. Netanyahu also addressed Palestine, calling for an end to what he described as "Jew-hatred."

India, one of the countries labeled as "The Blessing," has condemned the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7 but also supports a complete ceasefire and the "two-state solution" to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In his speech, Netanyahu urged the global community to make a clear choice between what he termed as a "blessing" and a "curse" amid the increasing tensions in the Middle East.