Netanyahu Highlights Eliminated Leaders Ahead of UN Speech in New York

Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has highlighted the deaths of several senior figures from Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran while discussing Israel's military campaign and its confrontation with regional adversaries.

Netanyahu referred to former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He asked what had happened to each of them, presenting their deaths as evidence of Israel's military actions.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to address the assembly on Thursday, September 24.

Netanyahu Points to Regional Leaders

Netanyahu referred to Nasrallah, Sinwar, Deif and Haniyeh while discussing Israel's actions against what it considers hostile organizations and governments in the region.

He recalled that Nasrallah had previously remained in a bunker and then asked where he is now. He made similar references to Sinwar, Deif and Haniyeh.

The remarks reflect Netanyahu's broader argument that Israel has targeted senior leadership figures during its military operations.

Nasrallah, Sinwar, Deif and Haniyeh

Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of Hezbollah, was killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut in September 2024.

Yahya Sinwar, who had become Hamas's overall leader following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024.

Mohammed Deif, a senior Hamas military commander, was also killed in an Israeli strike, while Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran in July 2024.

Netanyahu has repeatedly presented these developments as evidence that Israel can reach senior figures from organizations fighting against it.

Netanyahu Also Refers to Khamenei

Netanyahu also asked, “And what did we do to Khamenei?”

The reference was to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the 2026 U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Netanyahu has previously connected Israel's military operations against Iran to what he describes as efforts to remove threats to Israel. In remarks in June, he also listed Khamenei alongside senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures when describing leaders Israel had targeted.

Netanyahu Preparing for UN General Assembly Speech

Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

According to Israeli and U.S. reporting, he is expected to arrive in New York around September 23 and address the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24.

The annual UN gathering is expected to focus heavily on major international conflicts, including the wars involving Iran, Israel and Gaza, as well as Russia's war against Ukraine.

Netanyahu's Aircraft to Avoid JFK

Netanyahu's official aircraft is not expected to land at John F. Kennedy International Airport during the visit.

Israeli media reports say alternatives including Newark Liberty International Airport and a nearby military airfield have been considered so that the aircraft can remain available during his short visit.

The reported change comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding Netanyahu's visit and planned demonstrations in New York.

A Short Visit to New York

Netanyahu's trip is expected to be brief. Israeli officials have indicated that he plans to travel to New York for the UN appearance and return to Israel shortly afterward.

The Jerusalem Post reported on September 19 that Netanyahu's latest schedule has him arriving after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves New York, meaning a meeting between the two leaders is not currently on the schedule.

Key Points

Netanyahu referred to Nasrallah, Sinwar, Deif and Haniyeh while discussing Israel's military actions.
He also referred to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Netanyahu presented the deaths of these leaders as part of Israel's military campaign.
He is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24.
His official aircraft is expected to avoid JFK Airport.
Newark or a nearby military airfield have been reported as possible alternatives.
Netanyahu's New York visit is expected to be brief.
A meeting with President Trump is not currently on the reported schedule.

Source

This article is based on remarks attributed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and current reporting about his planned UN General Assembly visit.