At the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu showcased two prominent maps representing the Middle East, conspicuously omitting Palestine. He labeled one map “The Curse,” depicting adversarial nations influenced by Iran, and the other “The Blessing,” highlighting allies such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and India in a potential normalization framework. Netanyahu’s discourse blamed Iranian actions for the regional violence while asserting Israel’s defensive stance.
During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented two maps representing a stark view of the Middle East. In his right hand, he held a depiction of the region labeled “The Curse,” highlighting countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in black. Conversely, in his left hand was a map titled “The Blessing,” which included nations like Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and intriguingly, India, shaded in green. Notably absent from both maps was any acknowledgment of Palestine, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations around the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu utilized these visuals to emphasize the Iranian influence as a primary source of regional instability. He condemned Iran’s financial and military support to groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, asserting that Israel is left with no choice but to act defensively against such threats. “If you strike us, we will strike you,” Netanyahu declared, reiterating Israel’s commitment to countering Iranian aggression while underscoring the country’s readiness to extend its reach throughout the Middle East. His mapping of allies and potential allies was particularly notable concerning Saudi Arabia. The Biden administration had reportedly been in dialogue to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia prior to the recent escalation of violence with Hamas. However, Saudi Arabia has articulated that normalization hinges on the establishment of a Palestinian state, complicating the geopolitical landscape further under current circumstances. Egypt’s inclusion in the “Blessing” map was expected given its longstanding, albeit complicated, peace treaty with Israel dating back to 1979. The two nations have cooperated on energy and security matters, particularly regarding Gaza. Sudan, which agreed to normalize relations with Israel in 2021, exemplifies a significant shift in its foreign policy, seeking stronger ties with the US and distancing itself from extremist factions. India’s representation in the green zone denotes its increasingly robust relationship with Israel, especially in sectors like defense and technology, despite its historical support for Palestinian self-determination. This evolving alliance underscores a strategic realignment in India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Netanyahu’s statements and the accompanying maps not only illustrate his political stance but also reflect the complexities of current Middle Eastern relations, particularly in negotiating alliances amid the contentious backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The presentation of these maps by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu symbolizes the ongoing tension within the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel’s relations with its neighbors and the absence of recognition for Palestine. The portrayal of Iran as a destabilizing force aligns with Israel’s longstanding narrative of external aggression threatening its security. Furthermore, the inclusion of countries that are either in solidarity with Israel or tentatively normalizing relations, such as Saudi Arabia and Sudan, highlights the evolving dynamics in regional politics, where traditional alliances are reassessing their positions in light of recent conflicts.
In summary, Netanyahu’s maps not only underscore the absence of Palestine in contemporary geopolitical discussions, reflecting the entrenched conflict, but also emphasize the critical role of Iranian influence and the shifting alliances in the region. His remarks indicate a robust defense posture in response to perceived threats, while the inclusion of countries like Saudi Arabia and India signals potential pathways for future collaboration amid complex regional tensions.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
