Netanyahu’s UNGA speech: A distracting move amid strategic military plans

Recently, Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech ‌at the United Nations General Assembly. It appeared unnecessary and unhelpful to everyone. He was speaking at this event the twelfth time, and his speech supported his action and lack of meaningful address. During his speech, the chamber was nearly empty. It meant people did not have any interest in ‌his words. However, many supporters praised him and cheered his words. But on the world stage, the interest of people highlights Israel’s isolation. 

At the time of the speech, Netanyahu seemed to be confused and struggled with some words. He directly attacked ‌the United Nations and its members, blaming them for antisemitism, raising questions about the effectiveness of his approach. Maybe his claim was true, but the way of addressing these claims was very ineffective and not beneficial. His attitude and words did not provide any advantages for Israel or Netanyahu. 

After the speech, many things became clear. Firstly, of all, things were not as they first seemed. During the time of his address, he knew that Israel was making plans to launch an attack on Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut. The main target was the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah. Before the speech, Netanyahu approved the attack, so the target person was on his mind during the time of the speech. His main purpose was to distract the attention of Nasrallah from Israel’s real plans. 

The well-minded person planned this attack and carried it out successfully. By killing the leader, Israel wants to weaken the position and strength of Hezbollah. This operation had been in planning for over 10 years. Many Israelis had been frustrated that their army was just reacting to Hezbollah’s attacks and not doing more. Now, with this bigger action, the public feels proud and united, seeing this as a step toward a larger operation,‌ with ground forces in southern Lebanon.

Soon, the new leader will handle the responsibilities. But it is unlikely that Hezbollah will disappear. ‌Lebanese are still making ‌efforts to become an independent nation because Hezbollah is much more powerful and gets great support from Iran. Lebanon can’t get free from Hezbollah without the help of other countries. Now the question is: Which country will take the step and help Lebanon? 

Changing leaders creates hope about weakening the relationship between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Both groups are the great opponents of Israel. If Israel stops the conflict, then there will be a chance that Hamas will free the hostages. 

Israel also hopes to make a better deal with Lebanon to keep Hezbollah away from their border. The 2006 agreement to end the Lebanon War didn’t work out well, but now there’s a chance for a stronger solution.

Iran, the US, and Israel’s actions decide the current situation in Lebanon and Gaza. Till now, Iran has not given a response to the killing of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh. Israel committed this murder at the time of the inauguration of Iran’s new presidential event. Additionally, Iran has not yet retaliated for Israel’s attack on Dahiyeh, which resulted in the deaths of Hezbollah’s Nasrallah and an Iranian general.

Many experts believe that Iran does not want to be involved in a larger conflict and put the US on the front line. Conflict with Israel badly impacts Iran’s stability, such as nuclear facilities and key oil exports. However, Iran’s reaction is still not clear. 

At the same time, the Biden administration continuously supports Israel in defending itself. Israel did not involve the US in their targeting plan for Nasrallah. This lack of communication raises many questions about the fairness of these two closed allies. 

The US has sent more military to the Middle East, preparing for more conflict. However, it has warned Israel not to send troops into Lebanon. Israel may still enter southern Lebanon to create a safe zone for its citizens who left the northern border in October 2023.

Soon there will be an election season in the United States. The outcome of the elections will decide the approach of the US in the Middle East. The policies of the United States for Israel may shift with the new president, Kamala Harris, or Donald Trump. 

It’s also unclear what Netanyahu will do next. He could use Israel’s current military success to push for peace talks or choose to keep the war going longer.