World

Israeli Envoy Says Netanyahu to Make Brief UN Visit Despite Mamdani's Arrest Call

By AP

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a brief 24-hour visit to address the UN General Assembly this month, insisting “there is no option” but for him to attend despite New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's earlier call for his arrest over the war in Gaza.

Danon accused Mamdani of "doing politics" after the mayor labeled Netanyahu a "war criminal" and demanded his arrest, a call Mamdani later had to walk back since New York City lacks the authority to detain the Israeli leader. "You know, it became very trendy to do politics by blaming Israel," Danon said, adding, "For us, it's important the Prime Minister will come."

Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The mayor has previously cited an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu in November 2024, which accuses him and another Israeli official of crimes against humanity. The ICC warrant alleges Netanyahu used "starvation as a weapon of warfare" by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeting civilians during Israel's military campaign against Hamas—allegations Israel rejects.

Although New York City has no legal power to enforce an ICC warrant, Mamdani has urged the federal government to act on it. Neither the United States nor Israel is a member of the ICC, and the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on ICC officials as part of a broader effort to weaken the tribunal.

According to Danon, Netanyahu is set to arrive in New York late on September 23, deliver his address to the UN General Assembly on the afternoon of September 24, and depart for Israel that same night. Danon noted the timing coincides with Jewish holidays and an ongoing Israeli election campaign, as Netanyahu seeks to retain his position as prime minister.

Danon warned that planned protests against Netanyahu could "create more chaos" on New York's streets during the high-level UN gathering scheduled for September 22 to 28. He recalled that during last year's General Assembly session, many delegates staged a mass walkout as Netanyahu began speaking. "I expect that there will be something like another show," Danon said, but expressed confidence that Netanyahu, given his experience, "will deliver his speech despite those attempts."