Opposition, PA slam Netanyahu's 'visionless' speech at UNGA
After PM delivers speech presenting new intel on Iran's nuclear facilities, Meretz leader Tamar Zandberg describes him as 'haunted, isolated,' while coalition members express unwavering support for him.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday sparked harsh criticism from Israeli opposition members as well as the Palestinian Authority, while coalition members praised it.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed before the UN General Assembly on Thursday “another secret atomic facility” in Iran, some four months after he presented what he said was “conclusive proof” of a secret project underway in Iran for the development of nuclear weapons.
Meretz leader Temar Zandberg described Netanyahu as a visionless leader.
"No doubt, the Mossad is the best intelligence agency in the world, and Netanyahu's speech proves that once again," Zandberg said.
"But putting that aside, Netanyahu came across as a haunted, isolated and visionless leader," the Meretz leader asserted.
"The prime minister gave a long speech. However, it lacked three words: Two-state solution. The existential impending threat against Israel is the occupation of the Palestinian people," she continued.
"Netanyahu should seize the opportunity, meet with Abbas and resume negotiations," she stated.
PLO Secretary General Saeb Erekat panned the premier saying, "his speech included victimization of the criminal and putting all the blame on the victim."
"Netanyahu revealed Israel's objection to our right to exist, to live freely and celebrate our national identity. Occupied Palestine is a proof to what Israel really is—a colonialist apartheid state," he vented.
"As far as the Israeli government is concerned, Jerusalem and the Palestinian refugees are not negotiable, nor is the entire existence of Palestine," Erekat lashed out, echoing the statements made by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the UN.
However, coalition members Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev, Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi and Communications Minister Ayoob Kara expressed their unwavering support for Netanyahu's remarks.
"Netanyahu's speech was powerful, full of pride and determination and managed to convey all of our messages about fighting terror, Iran, terror organizations Hezbollah and Hamas and the IDF soldiers and Israeli citizens held captive by Hamas," Regev told Ynet.
"We were very pleased with and proud of Netanyahu's remarks expressing he feels privileged to represent Israel and the Jewish people," she went on to say.
"On the backdrop of Netanyahu's meeting with US President Donald Trump, resuming negotiations with the Palestinians was not really addressed," the minister claimed.
"Peace and negotiations cannot be discussed when Abbas delivers a speech glorifying shahids (martyrs) and receives applause. That says it all," she concluded.
Minister Kara added, "It was yet another successful speech of Netanyahu at the UN. He revealed Iran's ongoing nuclear programs, warned Hezbollah we are watching it, rightly slammed Abbas's lies, and defended the Nation-State Law."
"I—like the prime minister—am proud to part of a delegation representing the eternal Jewish democratic state," he explained.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said "The prime minister put a mirror at the faces of the world's countries, revealing Iran's ongoing terror machines while (President Hassan) Rouhani uses ploys to shut their eyes. The UN should halt the Iranian regime," he opined.
