Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his Thursday speech at the United Nations General Assembly to warn that the Iran nuclear agreement will only make it easier for Iran to support terrorist acts in the Middle East, and said those who support the deal are imagining Iran can be easily tamed.
“Imagine what Iran will do after those sanctions have lifted,” he said. “Unleashed and unmuzzled, Iran will go on the prowl, devouring more and more prey.”
“In the wake of the nuclear deal, Iran is spending billions of dollars on weapons and satellites,” he added. “You think Iran is doing that to advance peace? You think hundreds of billions of dollars in sanctions relief and fat contracts will turn this rapacious tiger into a kitten? If you do, you should think again.”
Israel has continued to warn that the nuclear agreement not only keeps intact too much of Iran’s nuclear facilities, but also eases sanctions and a conventional weapons embargo that will free Iran to support terror groups.
Netanyahu made clear his anger at the U.N. for supporting the deal, and said the U.N. has continued to come out against Israel. At one point, he accused the U.N. of remaining silent in the face of Iranian threats against Israel, and stared silently back as his audience in defiance for nearly a minute.
He also cast Israel as the last defense of peace and freedom in the region.
“Ten miles from [the Islamic State], a few hundred yards from Iran’s murderous proxies, Israel stands on the breach, proudly and courageously defending freedom and progress,” he said. “Israel is civilization’s frontline against barbarism.”
“In a region plagued by violence, and unimaginable intolerance … Israel stands out towering beacon of enlightenment and tolerance,” Netanyahu said earlier in the speech.
