Defiant Netanyahu says Israel is fighting for its life in the face of savage enemies and issues stark warning to Iran in UN speech

Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning to Iran in his UN speech, saying that Israel can strike anywhere inside the country if it is provoked.

My country is at war, fighting for its life, Netanyahu said in a speech at the UN General Assembly. 

We must defend ourselves against these savage murderers. Our enemies seek not only to destroy us, they seek to destroy our common civilization and return all of us to a dark age of tyranny and terror. 

He added in a message he addressed to the tyrants of Tehran: if you strike us, we will strike you.

There is no place in Iran where the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that is true for the entire Middle East.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 27, 2024

A view shows damage at the site of Israeli strike in Saksakiyeh, southern Lebanon September 27, 2024

Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Tyre, Lebanon September 27, 2024

Anti-war activists rally outside of the hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu - who is in the city for the UN General Assembly annual sessions - is staying

We are winning, Netanyahu added triumphantly, as Israel continues to bombard Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah.

Widespread airstrikes across the countrys south and capital Beirut have left hundreds dead, including civilians, children and paramedics, in just a few days.

Protesters gathered outside the UN condemning Netanyahu, who has vowed to continue with the battle against Hamas until total victory is achieved. 

He went on to say regarding Israels war on Hamas and Hezbollah: We will fight until we achieve victory, total victory, there is no substitute for it. 

His speech was met with cheers from some allies in the audience, but also jeers, with several delegates walking out as he took to the stage. 

Netanyahu said h had not intended to come to New York to address the UN assembly this year, but felt compelled to do so to set the record straight after what he called the lies and slanders levelled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium.

The two speakers who preceded Netanyahu on Friday each made a point of calling out Israel for its actions.

Mr Netanyahu, stop this war now, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said as he closed his remarks, pounding the podium.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking just before the Israeli leader, declared of Gaza: This is not just a conflict. This is systematic slaughter of innocent people of Palestine.