Can't handle the truth: Netanyahu's battle at the UN and why this year's speech was different | Shlomo Shmir
Shlomo Shmir analyzes Netanyahu's UN speech and points to two dramatic changes: the UN has become a disgusting, irrelevant organization, and Netanyahu has become an unpopular, disconnected figure on the international stage. The writer claims the organization masks its irrelevance with anti-Israel sentiment, and that many delegates left the hall because they cannot handle the truth.
Shlomo Shmir analyzes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the 81st UN General Assembly and points to two dramatic changes compared to previous years. First, the UN has become an organization with no influence, involvement, or active presence in global crises. The writer calls it a "disgusting organization" and notes that Russia wages war against Ukraine without a single official Security Council discussion, and the Houthis take over Red Sea crossings without a response. In his view, the organization masks its irrelevance with anti-Israel sentiment, as reflected in speeches calling Israel a "threat to world peace and security." Second, Netanyahu has become an unpopular, unacceptable, and disconnected figure on the international stage, a situation Shmir attributes to his personal responsibility. Many delegates left the hall during his speech, and the writer explains they simply cannot handle the truth. Shmir concludes that the first reason is unchangeable, but the second has potential for improvement.