Egypt Daily News – In Friday’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu employed two contrasting maps to illustrate his vision for the future of the Middle East.
One map, labeled “The Bliss,” was presented in green and depicted a positive outlook for the region, highlighting a logistical bridge from India through the Middle East to Israel. This initiative was recently discussed during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023.
The second map, titled “The Curse,” was shown in black and illustrated what Netanyahu described as a “dark crescent” of Iran’s allies across the region, encompassing Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and the Houthi group in Yemen.
Netanyahu framed his narrative as a dichotomy between the ideas of “curse” and “bliss,” urging the international community to recognize the threat posed by Iran, which he claimed was a primary aggressor in regional conflicts.
During his address, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s ongoing struggle for survival, stating that the country is engaged in a defensive war against Iran on multiple fronts.
He warned that if unchecked, Iran would jeopardize not only the Middle East but also pose risks to many other nations worldwide. Netanyahu criticized the global approach towards Iran, declaring that “appeasement must end, and it must end now.”
His speech sparked significant reactions, with several diplomatic delegations, including Turkish, Iranian, and Saudi representatives, exiting the UN hall as he began his remarks.
This walkout underscored the tensions surrounding Netanyahu’s assertions and the broader geopolitical context of Iranian influence in the region.
