Later this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans a quick 24-hour trip to New York City to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The visit comes amidst a backdrop of political and legal turmoil. According to Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon, Netanyahu’s presence at the event is seen as vital. The prime minister is scheduled to arrive on September 23, speak at the General Assembly the following day, and then return to Israel that same evening.
This visit is set against a backdrop of controversy with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu. Mayor Mamdani labeled Netanyahu a war criminal and had previously expressed intentions to pursue his arrest should he step foot in New York. However, Mamdani later admitted that the city lacks the jurisdiction to act on an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged crimes against humanity related to military actions in Gaza. Israel has firmly dismissed these allegations, and Netanyahu’s upcoming visit is expected to draw significant attention and likely protests.
Protests are anticipated during Netanyahu’s address, similar to last year when a considerable number of delegates exited the General Assembly hall as he began speaking. Despite expectations of similar demonstrations, Israeli officials have stated that Netanyahu is committed to delivering his speech as planned.
The UN General Assembly’s annual session, spanning from September 22 to 28, overlaps with Jewish holidays and Israel’s election period, adding further layers of complexity to Netanyahu’s brief appearance in New York.