Netanyahu Defends The UN: Israel Is Struggling To Maintain Its Life

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu/screenshot via Instagram @b.netanyahu

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country is seeking peace despite struggling to live in the presence of "turbious enemies" who want to destroy it.

"My country is at war, struggling to defend its life," Netanyahu said in a speech at the UN General Assembly.

"We have to defend ourselves against these cruel killers. Our enemies are not only trying to destroy us, they are also trying to destroy our common civilization and return us all to a era of tyranny and terror," added Netanyahu.

Netanyahu spoke as Israel continued to strike Hezbollah's target in southern Lebanon amid fears the attack could develop into a massive regional war.

In his speech, Netanyahu blamed arch-enemy Israel, Iran, for the conflict. He said Israel defended itself against Tehran.

"There is no place in Iran that Israel cannot reach and this applies across the Middle East. Instead of being slaughtered sheep, the Israeli army has resisted with extraordinary courage," Netanyahu said, greeted by applause while several other delegates, including Iran, left the room.

"I have another message for this assembly and the world outside of this hall: We won," said Israeli Prime Minister.