Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stares down the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. Photo: YouTube screenshot.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dramatically paused for a full 44 seconds during his speech before the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, as he railed against world nations for remaining silent on the threat Iran poses to Israel.

Netanyahu accused the U.N. of “utter silence, deafening silence,” in the face of Iran’s repeated threats to Israel over the years. He also berated the nations for supporting the nuclear deal.

Calling on the world to stand up to Iran, he said that Israel refuses to be silent, making the point with the long — silent — pause, and a harsh glare.

He scanned the room with a steely stare, before continuing. “Perhaps you can now understand why Israel is not joining you in celebrating this deal,” he said. “If Iran’s rulers were working to destroy your countries, perhaps you would be less enthusiastic about the deal. If Iran’s terror proxies were firing thousands of rockets at your cities, perhaps you’d be more measured in your praise. And if this deal were releasing a nuclear arms race in your neighborhood, perhaps you’d be more reluctant to celebrate.”

Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel’s opposition to a stance “embraced by the greatest powers in the world” wasn’t easy, saying, “Believe me, it would be far easier to remain silent.” But, he added, “Throughout our history, the Jewish people have learned the heavy price of silence.”

The Israeli prime minister also pointed out the danger to world peace posed by the nuclear deal. “Unleashed and unmuzzled, Iran will go on the prowl, devouring more and more prey,” he said. “In the wake of the nuclear deal, Iran is spending billions of dollars on weapons and satellites. Do you think Iran is doing that to advance peace?”

Netanyahu also reiterated Israel’s commitment to securing peace with the Palestinians, and said he is willing to immediately resume negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.

Netanyahu’s speech comes a day after P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas told the General Assembly that his government is “no longer bound” by its agreements with Israel, specifically the 1993 Oslo peace accords.

Watch Netanyahu’s dramatic pause in the video below: