He added: “There is more to do, and we are doing it… we have effectively changed the face of the Middle East . Our enemies, Iran and the axis of evil, came to destroy us, and now they are simply fighting for their survival.”

Netanyahu was accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Northern Command head Major General Rafi Milo, according to reports.

The remarks come as the Lebanese presidency confirmed direct talks with Israel will begin on Tuesday at the US State Department in Washington, even as Israeli airstrikes continue despite a ceasefire agreed last week between the United States , Israel and Iran’s allies.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is pressing for an immediate and stable ceasefire amid a worsening humanitarian situation, while Israel is expected to demand the full disarmament of Hezbollah and tighter border security.

Separately, US Vice President JD Vance held 21 hours of talks with Iran ian officials in Islamabad, which ended on Sunday without agreement. Vance said the outcome was “bad news for Iran, much more than it's bad news for the United States."

According to Netanyahu, the talks would focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the possibility of reaching what he described as a “sustainable, historic” peace agreement between the two countries.

The rescue came after a U.S. F-15E was shot down over Iran, triggering a nearly two-day search for its second crew member. U.S. forces eventually extracted the wounded officer in a high-risk operation that U.S. media said involved special operations troops and a CIA deception effort to mislead Iranian forces.

The episode has unfolded against the backdrop of the widening U.S.-Iran war, which began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Reuters, citing an Israeli security official, reported that Israeli intelligence helped the rescue mission and that Israel paused operations in the area to support it, underlining the close coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv as the conflict deepens.

“We are fighting today the battle that the Maccabees fought,” Netanyahu said, adding that their victory was central not only to Judaism but also to what he described as the foundations of Judeo-Christian civilisation. He argued that the failure of the Maccabees would have altered the course of world history and the development of societies based on freedom.

Netanyahu said the same spirit underpins the actions of Israeli forces confronting threats on multiple fronts. He said Israeli soldiers operating in Gaza, Lebanon and against Iran were motivated not only by the need to protect the Jewish people and the Israeli state, but also by what he described as a broader fight to defend civilisation.

The Israeli leader also connected the conflict in the Middle East to antisemitic violence abroad, referencing a deadly attack during a Hanukkah event in Australia.

“They did a horrible thing to us on October 7,” Netanyahu said, adding that similar violence was being directed at Jewish communities in places such as Sydney and the United States . He described the situation as a shared struggle against what he called “barbarians,” expressing confidence that Israel would prevail.

Netanyahu’s comments came a day after a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah gathering left 16 people dead. Australian authorities said the attackers were a father and son, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while his son was arrested and remains in custody.

“Of course, we’ve seen these election results, but it does not, of course, undermine the incredible, enormous relationship the Prime Minister has with President Trump, and the accomplishments that we have been able to get to because of this relationship that they have forged together,” said Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian.

“We have a bond that is stronger than ever between Israel and the United States right now, and of course, it’s based on our shared democratic values and dedication to our security and peace for countries in the entire free world,” Bedrosian added.

Mamdani won more than 50% of the votes to become New York’s first Muslim mayor and first mayor born in Africa , as well as the youngest mayor since 1892. 

During his campaign, Mamdani was tough on Israel, asserting that the country was committing genocide in Gaza, where nearly 70,000 have been killed in a dragging battle between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas. 

Mamdani had also labeled Netanyahu a “ war criminal.”

For his part, Trump, who had endorsed the No. 2 candidate for New York City mayor, Andrew Cuomo, said any Jew who voted for Mamdani is a “proven and self-professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!!!”

Netanyahu described the alliance as a “relationship of partners,” noting that operational cooperation between the two countries had reached “an all-time high,” particularly during the second phase of Operation “Am Kalavi.”

He also cited recent joint efforts such as the release of all living hostages from Gaza and the return of the deceased as evidence of successful collaboration. “We are changing the face of the Middle East together,” he added.

However, Netanyahu made clear that Israel's military responses are determined solely by its leadership. “We are not prepared to tolerate attacks against us. We respond according to our discretion,” he said, referencing airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza, including a recent operation in which Israel “dropped 150 tons on Hamas and the terrorist elements after the attack on our two soldiers.”

He emphasised that Israel takes preemptive action as well, saying, “We also thwart dangers in their formation before they materialise, as we did just yesterday in the Gaza Strip.”

Closing his remarks, Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel does not seek external permission to defend itself, “We do not ask anyone for approval for this. We control our own security, and we have also made it clear with regard to international forces that Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us. That is how we operate and will continue to operate.”

While addressing the Knesset on Monday, October 13, Trump shared a light moment about Netanyahu’s frequent requests for military equipment.

“Bibi would call me so many times, can you get me this weapon, that weapon, that weapon? Some of them I never heard of, Bibi, and I made them. But we'd get them here, wouldn't we?” he said.

Earlier, the final group of twenty living hostages held by Hamas was handed over to the Red Cross. Alongside this, the remains of 28 deceased hostages are also expected to be returned. In return, Israel will release about 1,700 Palestinians who have been detained in Gaza since October 2023, as well as 250 others serving life sentences.

The current peace deal, which Israel and Hamas agreed to last week, is unfolding in stages. The first phase includes a ceasefire, exchange of hostages and prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the 'yellow line' in Gaza.

Later phases will look at how Gaza will be governed, the role of Hamas going forward, and plans for rebuilding the region.

The map released in connection with the deal shows Israeli-held zones along coastal areas and key border regions, while portions of Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Deir el-Balah, and North Gaza revert to Palestinian control.

The partial pullback comes as part of the Trump-brokered 20-point peace plan signed that same day in Sharm el-Sheikh. Under that agreement, Israel’s forces are to reposition within 24 hours, and Hamas is expected to return all living hostages and the remains of deceased ones within 72 hours.

Israel’s decision to retain over half of Gaza highlights the delicate balance struck in the ceasefire: a withdrawal significant enough to signal de-escalation, yet limited enough to maintain leverage. The held zones include buffer strips along the coast and border crossings, likely critical for security, monitoring, and aid control.

The new arrangement takes effect amid bleak humanitarian conditions. Gaza’s population faces severe food insecurity, and United Nations agencies are poised to escalate aid deliveries, contingent on continued troop pullbacks. Broader Stakes & Unresolved Questions

This pause in hostilities brings cautious relief. Earlier in the day, the Israeli cabinet approved the agreement, formalising a ceasefire and setting in motion plans to free hostages and swap hundreds of prisoners.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed his vow to disarm Hamas and warned of renewed military options if violations occur. Hamas, meanwhile, agreed to the terms but faces internal pressures over governance, disarmament, and long-term stability.

International oversight will play a pivotal role. The first phase calls for a joint task force involving the U.S., Egypt , Qatar, Turkey, and others to monitor compliance. The Rafah crossing (Egypt–Gaza) is also slated to reopen under EU monitoring, a symbolic and functional milestone for civilian movement and aid flows.

For now, the world watches to see if this withdrawal will become the start of a sustained peace or a temporary lull in a longer struggle.

“But,” he continued, “as the Chief of Staff said, the campaign is not yet finished. Great challenges still lie ahead of us, but also opportunities.”

The prime minister said he had faced “tremendous pressure from home and abroad” to halt the war, naming specific operations that drew international criticism, including the Israeli military's entry into Rafah and seizure of the Philadelphi Route. He also cited broader calls to withdraw from Gaza while regional threats remained.

“I firmly rejected all these pressures,” Netanyahu said, “because I had one and only one consideration in mind, the security of Israel.”

Netanyahu added that his military ops had 'trapped' Hamas: "We corner it from all sides in preparation for the next stages of the plan where Hamas will be disarmed and then dismantled.

According to Middle East Eye , the bill would enable Israeli courts to impose capital punishment on Palestinians convicted of murder, especially when the motive is deemed “nationalistic” or “ideological.”

However, it would not apply to Israeli citizens, including settlers, who kill Palestinians under similar circumstances. The proposal, championed by Limor Son Har-Melech of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party and backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has ignited fierce debate about discrimination, legality, and timing amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Legal experts and government officials have already raised red flags. The committee’s legal adviser reportedly warned that the vote may be invalid because it was held during the Knesset’s recess and without consultation with key security bodies.

Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coordinator for hostages, cautioned that pressing ahead with the bill could endanger Israeli captives still held in Gaza.

Opposition lawmakers described the measure as “ an act of unprecedented savagery ,” arguing it risks institutionalising a two-tier justice system, one that applies capital punishment only to Palestinians.

Israel formally abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1954. Since then, it has been reserved only for extreme cases such as genocide or treason, with the country’s sole execution being that of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962.

Although several attempts have been made in recent decades to revive capital punishment for terrorism, none have become law.

The striking visual, captured in the attached world map, shows clear divisions between countries that “walked out” and those that stayed.

Who walked out and why?

According to Israeli officials, 77 delegations either did not attend or left at the start of Netanyahu’s 41-minute speech. Among those were Israel’s immediate neighbours: Egypt , Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran.

Meanwhile, key allies such as the UAE and Bahrain remained seated despite domestic and regional pressures. Canada’s ambassador also opted to stay, highlighting that not all Western nations joined the exodus.

Netanyahu, unperturbed, used the platform to double down on Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza with a pledge to “finish the job” in rooting out Hamas.

He also criticised Western governments that have recognised Palestinian statehood , calling such decisions “insane” and accusing them of rewarding “terrorism.”

The speech came amid mounting condemnation of Israel’s conduct. A recent U.N. commission of inquiry concluded that some actions by Israeli forces may amount to genocide in Gaza, intensifying global pressure on Israel.

For many delegations, the walkout was a form of moral protest, an attempt to withhold legitimacy from a speech delivered under the shadow of alleged war crimes.

“It provides a viable pathway to long term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region,” Modi wrote on social media hours after the plan was presented at the White House.

“We hope that all concerned will come together behind President Trump’s initiative and support this effort to end conflict and secure peace,” he added.

The Indian leader had faced criticism from the opposition Congress party for what it called his “supremely indifferent” silence on the war. India abstained in a 2023 United Nations vote calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, though more recently it supported a resolution affirming the two-state solution.

With the conflict dominating debate at the UN General Assembly, Trump framed his initiative as a fast-track to peace. 

The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, followed by a 72-hour deadline for Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, both dead and alive. In exchange, Israel would free 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The proposal also demands that Hamas step aside from governance in Gaza and disarm— conditions the group has consistently rejected. Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces would gradually withdraw but maintain a large buffer zone inside Gaza “for the foreseeable future.”

Netanyahu warned that Israel was prepared to act alone if Hamas refused the terms.

"We're giving everybody a chance to have this done peacefully...But if Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accept it, and then basically do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself,” he said. “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way. But it will be done."

The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, cautiously welcomed the proposal. In a statement carried by the official WAFA news agency, it said it was prepared to engage with Washington and international partners on a broader agreement aimed at “paving the way for just peace on the basis of a two-state solution.”

European leaders also signalled support. President Emmanuel Macron of France said the initiative left Hamas with “no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan.” 

In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged “all sides to come together and to work with the US Administration to finalise this agreement,” saying Hamas should “end the misery” by laying down arms. 

Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, called the proposal a rare chance for progress, warning: “This opportunity must not be wasted. Hamas must seize it.”

For Washington, the plan represents its most concerted bid yet to halt the Gaza war , and the most ambitious to date for Trump, who, for much of his second term, has styled himself as an “anti-war” leader credited with ending seven “un-endable” wars.

“This week, the leaders of France, Britain, Australia, Canada, and other countries unconditionally recognised a Palestinian state. They did so after the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7,  horrors praised on that day by nearly 90 percent of the Palestinian population. Nearly 90% supported the attack. They celebrated it. They danced on rooftops. They threw candies in Gaza and in Judea, Samaria, the West Bank, as you call it. Just like they celebrated 9/11,” Netanyahu said.

He warned that granting Palestinians a state after such attacks would be akin to giving al-Qaeda a country near New York City after the September 11 attacks.

“Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11,” Netanyahu declared. “This is sheer madness. It’s insane. And we won’t do it,” he emphasised.

Adding that, “Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats,” he said. “We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and anti-Semitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.”

Earlier, dozens of leaders and diplomats staged a walkout before Netanyahu began to deliver his speech.

“Let’s do something else for the first time at the UN. Let’s do a pop quiz. Who shouts, ‘Death to America ’?," he queried the Assembly while pulling out a placard. "Is it A. Iran, B. Hamas, C. Hezbollah, D. the Houthis, or E. all of the above? Correct, all of the above. Second question: Who has murdered Americans and Europeans in cold blood? A. Al-Qaeda, B. Hamas, C. Hezbollah, D. Iran, or E. all of the above? Correct again.”

The Israeli leader used the exercise to argue that Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, threaten not just Israel but the entire modern world.

“Our enemies hate all of us with equal venom,” Netanyahu warned. “They want to drag the modern world back to the past, to a dark age of violence, fanaticism, and terror. You know deep down that Israel is fighting your fight.”

Netanyahu claimed that despite public criticism, many world leaders privately thank Israel for its intelligence, which he said has repeatedly prevented terrorist attacks in foreign capitals.

“Behind closed doors, many of the leaders who publicly condemn us, privately thank us,” he said. “They tell me how much they value Israel’s superb intelligence services that have prevented, time and again, terrorist attacks in their capitals, saving countless lives.”

He cited comments by former U.S. Air Force intelligence chief General George Keegan, who once said the U.S. would need “five CIAs” to match Israel’s intelligence capabilities, and noted that German Chancellor Merz admitted Israel was “doing the dirty work for all of us” after Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites in June.

Netanyahu also praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for showing Iran that there is “a price to pay” for targeting Americans.

The Israeli leader argued that his government has urged civilians to evacuate combat zones while Hamas, which he labelled a “genocidal terrorist organisation,” has tried to prevent them from leaving. He accused the militant group of being the true instigator of mass suffering.

Netanyahu’s remarks came after months of intensifying scrutiny over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed and most of the territory’s residents displaced. Human rights groups and aid agencies have warned of famine, disease and total collapse of basic services.

In a landmark report released this month, a UN commission concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet four of the five acts of genocide defined under international law, including killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, inflicting life-destroying conditions , and preventing births.

Separately, the International Court of Justice is hearing a case brought by South Africa that accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel has fiercely rejected. Earlier this year, the ICJ ordered Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reached civilians, but UN monitors say those orders have largely been ignored.

Despite the mounting legal challenges, Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with the military campaign against Hamas, insisting Israel will “finish the job.” He accused critics of “turning the truth on its head” by equating Israel with genocidal regimes.

In his address, Netanyahu defiantly ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state, saying Israel “will not commit national suicide.” 

He also condemned recent decisions by several governments to recognise Palestinian statehood, calling the moves a “mark of shame.”

The Israeli leader also vowed to press ahead with military operations in Gaza until Hamas is, in his words, “finished.” He read aloud the names of hostages still held in the enclave and said loudspeakers had broadcast his message into Gaza to reassure them.

Netanyahu used much of his speech to cast blame on critics abroad, accusing world leaders of faltering in their support for Israel as the war dragged on. He claimed Israel was fighting a “seven-front war” with minimal assistance from its allies.

His remarks come after France, Britain, Canada and several other nations formally recognised Palestine this week, adding momentum to calls for a negotiated two-state settlement. The Israeli premier has rejected that path, insisting that such recognition rewards Hamas.

The speech also took place under the shadow of war crimes allegations levelled against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court, as well as genocide findings by an independent UN inquiry commission.

Despite the boycott, Netanyahu is set to continue a busy diplomatic schedule. He is expected to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, where the two leaders will discuss regional security and Israel’s military campaign.

Argentina’s country risk index climbed to 1,200 points, its highest level since October 2024. This metric, closely monitored by investors, reflects the perceived likelihood of Argentina defaulting on its debt. The surge highlights concerns about the country’s fiscal health, dwindling foreign reserves, and the impact of political turbulence on economic reforms. Analysts warn this could deter foreign investment, raise borrowing costs, and strain President Javier Milei’s already ambitious stabilisation plans.

Milei faces setback after Peronist victory in Buenos Aires

President Javier Milei’s reformist government is facing headwinds after the Peronist party scored a significant victory in Buenos Aires. The first post-election poll suggests growing voter dissatisfaction with Milei’s policies, especially among working-class voters who have borne the brunt of austerity measures. As the country heads toward key October elections, Milei is expected to recalibrate his messaging and shore up support to avoid further losses that could stall his legislative agenda.

Budget speech: “The worst is over”

In a nationally televised address, Milei sought to reassure Argentines that the country is turning a corner economically. He promised that “the worst is over” and appealed to citizens to hold firm as his administration works to stabilise inflation, attract investment, and fund social programs. Milei also signalled increased spending on healthcare and education, hoping to counter criticisms that his government’s austerity approach has disproportionately hurt the poor.

Government shake-up amid ANDIS scandal

The Argentine government announced structural changes within ANDIS (National Agency for Disability) following leaked audio recordings involving Diego Spagnuolo that sparked public outrage. The scandal triggered protests in Buenos Aires and other cities, with citizens demanding accountability and transparency. The administration’s swift response suggests an effort to limit political fallout and restore public trust ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.

Marco Rubio meets Netanyahu to discuss Qatar attack and Gaza crisis

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on the aftermath of the recent attack in Qatar and the ongoing humanitarian and security situation in Gaza. This conversation underscores Washington’s growing concern over Middle Eastern instability and its ripple effects on global security. Argentina, while geographically distant, is watching closely — particularly given its large Jewish community and its own security policies in relation to Middle Eastern geopolitics.