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Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, once again utilized maps during his speech at the 79th UN General Assembly, drawing attention and controversy. His presentation centered around two maps of the Middle East, one labeled “THE BLESSING” and the other “THE CURSE,” both intended to illustrate his vision for the region's future.
The “blessing” map highlighted the US-led India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative, which Netanyahu described as a “land bridge” connecting Asia and Europe. This bridge, he asserted, would be built through infrastructure development, including rail lines, energy pipelines, and fiber optic cables, ultimately benefiting over 2 billion people. The map prominently depicted a red line connecting Israel with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, extending from India across West Asia and reaching Europe.
In contrast, the “curse” map was painted in black, showcasing Israel's perceived adversaries: Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. This map, Netanyahu declared, represented Iran's “malignant arc” that supposedly obstructs international waterways, hinders trade, and inflicts misery on millions. He emphasized the stark contrast between the two maps, portraying one as a beacon of hope and the other as a harbinger of despair.
However, the maps stirred a storm of criticism, particularly for their exclusion of Palestine. Last year, Netanyahu's UNGA presentation drew significant backlash for depicting the West Bank and Gaza as part of Israel. This year, although the maps did not explicitly mark Israel, their portrayal of the region, coupled with Netanyahu's accompanying rhetoric, was interpreted by many as advocating for a 'Greater Israel' that effectively erased Palestine and its people.
The Palestinian Ambassador to Germany, Laith Arafeh, condemned the maps on social media, labeling them a “greater insult to every foundational principle of the United Nations.” He accused Netanyahu of “negating Palestine and its people” while deceptively attempting to present a narrative of peace. Critics also pointed out that the maps were a clear indication of the normalization process that Netanyahu has actively pursued, a process aimed at solidifying Israel's presence and authority in the region at the expense of Palestinian rights.
The controversy surrounding the maps further underscores the deeply rooted conflict in the region and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian self-determination. While Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his desire for peace and cooperation, his actions, including the use of maps that seemingly disregard Palestinian territorial claims, have raised concerns and ignited widespread criticism. The controversy serves as a reminder of the complex and sensitive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a conflict that continues to have far-reaching implications for the entire Middle East.