Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, brandishing two maps to illustrate his vision of the Middle East. In his right hand was a map, labeled “The Curse,” depicting Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in black. In his left, a second map, “The Blessing,” painted countries like Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and even India in green. What stood out was the glaring absence of Palestine from both maps, a conspicuous omission that sent a strong political message.
Erasing Palestine and Targeting Iran
Netanyahu made no reference to Palestine in either map. Instead, he focused on linking the countries in black to Iranian influence, claiming Tehran as the primary source of unrest in the region. According to Netanyahu, Iran’s reach extends through Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen, all of whom he blamed for destabilizing the Middle East.
“If you strike us, we will strike you,” Netanyahu warned Iran during his address, while several diplomats walked out in protest.
The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Gaza as necessary defensive measures against Iranian aggression. He pointed out Hezbollah’s continued military activities as a reason for Israel’s strikes, stating, “As long as Hezbollah chooses the path of war, Israel has no choice but to remove this threat.”
The Green “Blessing” Map: Allies and Potential Partners
Netanyahu’s green “blessing” map highlighted countries that have either normalized relations with Israel or are in discussions to do so. Among these were Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and India. Each of these nations, Netanyahu argued, represents potential partners in a stable Middle East, contrasting them with Iran and its allies.
Saudi Arabia: The Complex Relationship
Saudi Arabia’s inclusion in the green zone is especially noteworthy given ongoing negotiations between Israel and the kingdom. Before the Israel-Hamas conflict of October 2023, the Biden administration was working on a deal that could normalize relations between the two nations.
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However, Saudi Arabia has made it clear that a deal is contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state. The ongoing war has complicated these discussions, but Netanyahu’s map suggests he is still hopeful for future ties with Riyadh.
Egypt: A Cold Peace with Strategic Importance
Egypt’s role on the “blessing” map is less surprising. Despite a “cold peace” since the 1979 treaty, Egypt and Israel have strengthened ties, especially around security and energy. Egypt continues to play a vital role in managing Gaza’s security and preventing the rise of Islamist extremism, making it a key ally for Israel despite public disagreements over Gaza policy.
Sudan: From Hostility to Normalization
Sudan’s presence on Netanyahu’s map underscores the country’s recent shift. After signing the Abraham Accords in 2021, Sudan has moved away from its historically hostile stance toward Israel, seeking to strengthen ties with the US and regional powers like the UAE.
India: Strengthening Relations Under Modi
India’s inclusion in the “blessing” map reflects its growing ties with Israel, particularly in defense and technology under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While historically a supporter of Palestinian self-determination, India has deepened its strategic relationship with Israel as part of its broader geopolitical goals.
