In a poignant and provocative address at the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a stark dichotomy of the Middle East, using two maps to illustrate what he termed as "The Blessing" and "The Curse".
The Maps: A Visual Representation of Conflict
During his speech, Netanyahu held up two maps, each painting a different picture of the region. On one map, labeled "The Blessing," countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and notably India, were highlighted in green. This map symbolized a vision of unity and cooperation between Israel and its Arab partners, extending a land bridge from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This alliance, according to Netanyahu, would facilitate the laying of rail lines, energy pipelines, and fiber optic cables, benefiting two billion people.
In stark contrast, the second map, labeled "The Curse," depicted Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in black. This map represented what Netanyahu described as an "arc of terror" created by Iranian influence, stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean. He emphasized that this "malignant arc" has disrupted international waterways, hindered trade, and inflicted misery on millions.
Erasure of Palestine and Territorial Claims
Both maps were notable for their complete erasure of Palestinian territories. The West Bank and Gaza were shown as part of Israel, a move that aligns with Netanyahu's long-standing stance on the issue. The Golan Heights in Syria were also marked as Israeli territory.
Warning to Iran and Regional Tensions
Netanyahu's speech was marked by a stern warning to Iran, which he blamed for the ongoing violence in the region. He cited Iran's financial and military support to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen as evidence of its destabilizing influence. "I have a message for Tehran, if you strike us, we will strike you," Netanyahu declared, emphasizing that Israel's reach could extend throughout the Middle East if necessary.
The tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated significantly since the assassination of Hamas's political wing chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. Netanyahu's address also came amid ongoing conflicts, including Israel's bombardments of Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
Netanyahu's speech was met with significant diplomatic fallout. Scores of diplomats walked out in protest during his address, and the Iranian delegation was absent. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the speech, calling it "full of lies and contradictions".
Call for International Action Against Iran
Netanyahu used the platform to appeal to the international community to introduce sanctions against Iran and to join Israel in blocking Iran's nuclear weapons program. He argued that the world's appeasement of Iran must end, highlighting the need for collective action against Iranian aggression and internal repression.
In conclusion, Netanyahu's UN address underscored the deepening divisions in the Middle East and the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The use of the "Blessing" and "Curse" maps served as a powerful visual tool to drive home his message, emphasizing the choice between cooperation and conflict in the region.
