New York, 24 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to confront New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, bringing their increasingly public dispute over Gaza, Israel’s military operations and international law directly to the UN stage. The Netanyahu Mamdani confrontation comes during the Israeli leader’s first visit to New York since Mamdani took office in January.
Netanyahu arrives in New York for UN address
Netanyahu is making an unusually short visit to New York. Israeli officials said he was expected to spend less than eight hours in the city before returning to Israel, compared with a week-long US trip surrounding last year’s General Assembly.
His appearance comes as Israel prepares for a general election next month and as his government continues to face international scrutiny over its military operations.
Former Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Oren said the address could have a strong domestic political dimension, describing it as likely to resemble a “campaign speech”.
Netanyahu says he will address Mamdani directly
The Netanyahu Mamdani dispute intensified before the prime minister left for New York.
Netanyahu released a video directly addressing the mayor and accusing him of supporting Hamas and encouraging unrest against Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani has not expressed support for Hamas.
Netanyahu said:
“I’m coming to the U.N. I’m going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I’m going to tell the truth about you.”
He also told the mayor: “Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani.”
Netanyahu’s comments indicate that his disagreement with the mayor will form at least part of his General Assembly address alongside Israel’s wider security and diplomatic concerns.
Mamdani responds to Netanyahu criticism
Mamdani has strongly criticised Netanyahu over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against the Israeli leader.
Responding to Netanyahu this week, Mamdani said:
“What we do know to actually be the truth when it comes to the prime minister is that he is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Mamdani went on to call Netanyahu “the architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians”. Israel rejects allegations of genocide and Netanyahu denies committing war crimes. The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024. Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction, while the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC.
Arrest dispute remains politically significant
Mamdani previously said he would seek Netanyahu’s arrest if the Israeli prime minister visited New York. He later acknowledged that the mayor does not have the legal authority independently to execute the ICC warrant.
That legal limitation has not ended the political dispute, with both leaders continuing to challenge each other publicly.
Protests accompany Netanyahu visit
Netanyahu’s arrival has also prompted demonstrations around the UN headquarters. Protesters opposed to Israel’s Gaza campaign gathered in Manhattan on Thursday, with some blocking roads near the diplomatic complex.
The protests underline the politically charged environment surrounding the Netanyahu Mamdani confrontation and Netanyahu’s appearance before world leaders.
Netanyahu prepares to take UN podium
Netanyahu is expected to use the address to defend Israel’s military actions and respond to international criticism while discussing wider regional security issues.
His remarks about Mamdani will also show how far a dispute with New York’s mayor has become part of Netanyahu’s broader political message as Israel approaches its October election.
