Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated for a quick visit to New York this month to address the United Nations General Assembly, despite facing significant political and legal challenges. According to Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, Netanyahu’s presence at the assembly is deemed essential. He is scheduled to arrive in New York on September 23, deliver his speech to the General Assembly on September 24, and return to Israel later that same evening.
This visit occurs against the backdrop of tensions with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has labeled Netanyahu a war criminal and previously declared his intention to pursue the Israeli leader’s arrest should he set foot in the city. However, Mamdani has since conceded that local authorities lack the jurisdiction to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
The ICC had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, along with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in November 2024, citing alleged crimes against humanity tied to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The Israeli government has dismissed these allegations.
In addition to this legal controversy, Netanyahu’s trip is expected to spark protests. During his address at the UN General Assembly last year, numerous delegates exited the hall. Israeli officials anticipate similar demonstrations this year, but Netanyahu has no plans to cancel his speech.
The annual gathering at the UN, running from September 22 to 28, coincides with Jewish holidays and falls within Israel’s election period, adding further significance to Netanyahu’s attendance and the potential diplomatic tensions surrounding it.