Israel Radio reports that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu arrived in New York City where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly. The prime minister arrived on Thursday 11 Tishrei 5773 afternoon time in Israel.

According to media reports, Mr. Netanyahu is not dedicating more than about 5% of his address to Iran and the threat facing Israel, but Mr. Netanyahu does plan to set a defined red line, perhaps sending a message to Tehran, the United States and other participating nations in the GA.

As he boarded the flight leaving Israel, the prime minister had harsh words for GA delegates who did not walk out when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the forum.

In his address on Erev Yom Kippur, US President Barak Obama stated the US will “do what we must” to prevent Iran from manufacturing a nuclear weapon. He added that he feels there is still time for diplomacy, but that time is running out and he will not permit a nuclear Iran, which would pose an existential threat to Israel and the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released the following statement prior to leaving Israel:

“Citizens of Israel,

Tonight, I am leaving for New York to represent the State of Israel at the United Nations.

On the issue of Iran, we are all in agreement on the goal of preventing Iran from achieving nuclear weapons.

On the day when we pray to be inscribed in the Book of Life, a platform was given to a dictatorial regime that strives, at every opportunity, to sentence us to death.

On the eve of Yom Kippur, which is sacred to the Jewish People, the Iranian tyrant – before the whole world – chose to publicly call for our disappearance.

This is a black day for those who chose to stay in the hall and listen to such slander.

In my remarks to the UN General Assembly, they will hear my response.

As the Prime Minister of Israel, the state of the Jewish People, I am working in every way so that Iran will not have nuclear weapons.

History has proven that those who have wanted to wipe us off the map have failed, as the Jewish People have overcome all obstacles.

We have set up a magnificent state, among the most advanced in the world.

Israel is a modern and strong state thanks to the strength and talents of its citizens and to our faith in the justice of our cause.

I wish you all gmar hatima tova!”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)