Netanyahu Fires Back at New York Mayor Mamdani Ahead of UN Visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly responded to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ahead of his planned visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, saying he would use his appearance at the UN to present what he described as “the truth” about Israel and the New York mayor.

In a video posted on social media on September 22, Netanyahu directly addressed Mamdani, accusing the mayor of supporting Hamas and of inciting unrest against New York’s Jewish community. Netanyahu said he was coming to the United Nations and would speak about what he described as the truth regarding Israeli soldiers, as well as “the truth about” Mamdani.

The remarks came after Mamdani again criticized Netanyahu in a television interview, describing the Israeli prime minister as a “war criminal” and accusing him of being responsible for what Mamdani characterized as genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Mamdani has repeatedly made similar criticisms of Israel’s military campaign.

The dispute has been building for months, particularly over Netanyahu’s planned visit to New York and the question of whether he could be arrested under an International Criminal Court warrant.

Mamdani previously said that his administration was considering whether New York authorities could arrest Netanyahu if he came to the city. He later acknowledged that New York City does not have independent legal authority to enforce the ICC arrest warrant and called on the U.S. federal government to work with the court on the matter.

Israel has rejected accusations of genocide and other allegations concerning its military campaign in Gaza, saying that its operations are directed against Hamas. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in 2024, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel and the United States are not parties to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC.

Mamdani has also said that he does not plan to participate in demonstrations against Netanyahu during the UN General Assembly and that his focus during the high-level diplomatic gathering would be on New York City’s responsibilities as the host city.

Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly and address the General Debate. His visit comes amid continuing international attention over the Gaza conflict and growing political disagreement in the United States over Israel’s military campaign.

The latest exchange between Netanyahu and Mamdani has added another layer to the diplomatic and political tensions surrounding the Israeli leader’s appearance at the United Nations. Netanyahu’s speech and any further response to Mamdani are expected to draw close attention as the General Assembly’s high-level week continues.