Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his UN General Assembly speech, highlighted the absence of Palestine in two presented maps, which categorized Middle Eastern countries into ‘The Curse’ (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen) and ‘The Blessing’ (Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, India). He blamed Iran for ongoing regional violence, stressing the necessity of Israeli military responses to threats from Iranian-backed groups. Noteworthy is the potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia, dependent on Palestinian statehood, emphasizing the intricate diplomacy of the Middle East.
During his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented two maps that starkly omitted any reference to Palestine. In his right hand, he held a map labeled “The Curse,” depicting countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in black, while in his left hand was a green map termed “The Blessing,” which included nations such as Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and India. The absence of Palestine in both maps highlights its exclusion from the ongoing dialogues surrounding peace and stability in the region. Netanyahu attributed the chaos in the Middle East directly to Iranian influence, asserting that Iran and its affiliates were responsible for the violence impacting Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. He emphasized Israel’s position as a defender against Iranian-led aggression, particularly in relation to militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. He declared, “If you strike us, we will strike you,” hinting at Israel’s capability to address threats that may arise across the Middle East. His statements sparked protests among diplomats attending the assembly. Netanyahu’s presentation also encompassed key Middle Eastern players, notably Saudi Arabia, which had been engaging in normalization talks with Israel before recent conflicts erupted. However, Saudi officials maintain that any normalization depends on the establishment of a Palestinian state. Similarly, Egypt, having established a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, continues to collaborate on security matters related to Gaza, albeit within the context of a managed bureaucratic relationship. Sudan’s normalization through the Abraham Accords reflects its strategic pivot from a historically hostile stance towards Israel. Lastly, India’s burgeoning ties with Israel, particularly in sectors such as defense, underscore a complex but evolving relationship amid traditional support for Palestinian aspirations. The complexities of these diplomatic relationships indicate a shifting landscape in the Middle East, with Netanyahu’s maps symbolizing both the alliances being forged and the continuing absence of the Palestinian narrative in discussions of regional dynamics.
The recent UN address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is significant in understanding Israel’s diplomatic strategy and its framing of Middle Eastern politics. Netanyahu’s omission of Palestine from his maps sheds light on the ongoing tensions and the Israeli government’s narrative, especially regarding Iranian influence. The maps illustrate the varying relationships Israel maintains with surrounding states, juxtaposing adversaries painted in black against potential allies depicted in green, thereby framing a clear dichotomy in regional alliances.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations, characterized by the presentation of two contrasting maps, underscores the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and the discernible absence of Palestine in the current discourse. By delineating supporters and adversaries in his visual representation, Netanyahu not only reinforces Israel’s stance against Iranian influence but also reflects the shifting alliances in the region that could have significant ramifications for future peace efforts.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
