‘Devastated’ Iran’s nuclear programme, ‘crushed’ Hamas, ‘hammered’ Houthis: Netanyahu outlines Israeli victories at UN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said that Israel has “crushed the bulk” of Hamas’s “terror machine” and is working to complete its military objectives against the group “as fast as possible.”

Addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu highlighted what he described as a series of major Israeli military successes against Hamas, Iran, and their regional allies.

Reminding the international community of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, Netanyahu said Israel had “devastated” Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, “hammered” the Houthi rebels in Yemen, “crushed the bulk of Hamas,” and “crippled” Hezbollah’s capabilities.

The Israeli leader framed these actions as essential to ensuring Israel’s long-term security and stability in the region.

Netanyahu also expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for “his bold, decisive action against Iran”.

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He asserted that “Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles must be eliminated” and urged the international community to “remain clear-minded, vigilant (and) not allow Iran to rebuild (its) nuclear capabilities.”

He further claimed that Israel had “removed an existential threat of Iran” to his country.

On the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Netanyahu vowed to press forward with Israel’s military campaign against Hamas.

Addressing Israeli hostages still held by the militant group, Netanyahu delivered an emotional message in Hebrew, broadcast on loudspeakers near Gaza, “We’ve not forgotten you – not even for a second.”

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Netanyahu also delivered a sharp rebuke to Western countries for supporting Palestinian statehood, accusing them of caving to pressure from activists and critics who have accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza.

He strongly pushed back against a wave of recent diplomatic actions by key US allies —moves that have further deepened Israel’s international isolation amid its nearly two-year-long war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Before Netanyahu began his speech, dozens of delegates walked out in protest. His remarks were met with a mix of boos and cheers from those who remained in the hall.

As Netanyahu turned to the topic of Iran, some in the audience shouted in response.

However, his comments regarding Israel’s conflict with Iran also drew moments of applause, reflecting a sharply divided room.

With inputs from agencies