Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to respond directly to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s criticisms during his upcoming address at the United Nations on Thursday, as tensions escalate between the two over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. This marks Netanyahu’s first visit to New York since Mamdani assumed office in January.
Netanyahu’s trip coincides with Israel’s approaching elections and intensifying international scrutiny of its actions in Gaza. In a video message released before his UN appearance, Netanyahu targeted Mamdani, asserting he would present the truth about Israeli soldiers and the mayor himself. He also accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas, a charge the mayor has firmly denied.
Mamdani had campaigned on the promise to seek Netanyahu’s arrest for alleged war crimes, though he later acknowledged that as mayor, he lacked the legal authority to carry out such an arrest. Despite this, Mamdani has maintained a strong stance against Netanyahu’s policies, recently labeling the prime minister as the “architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians.” Netanyahu, meanwhile, continues to reject war crimes allegations and defends Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The dispute between the two leaders has gained renewed attention ahead of Netanyahu’s UN speech, where he is expected to address these criticisms head-on. Netanyahu’s visit is also anticipated to trigger protests from Israelis opposing his right-wing government.
These developments unfold amid a politically uncertain period for Netanyahu, with Israeli elections just weeks away. He faces the dual challenge of defending his government’s policies domestically while managing growing international condemnation over the Gaza conflict. Opinion polls suggest the election, scheduled for October 27, could end Netanyahu’s long tenure in power.
Notably, Netanyahu’s campaign is unfolding without a planned meeting with US President Donald Trump. Former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren described Netanyahu’s UN address as more of a “campaign speech” aimed at the Israeli public rather than the international community. Oren speculated that Netanyahu might use the platform to attack Mamdani and Iran to sway undecided voters, particularly those wavering between Netanyahu and his main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
Netanyahu’s visit to the US will be brief; he is expected to arrive early Thursday and depart the same day after delivering his speech. Discussions about potential meetings with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have taken place, but no appointments have been confirmed. Importantly, Netanyahu is not expected to meet with Trump during this visit.
The relationship between Netanyahu and Trump has been strained since the US and Iran agreed to an interim ceasefire, which Netanyahu opposed. This deal angered many Israelis and raised doubts about Trump’s commitment to Israeli security, despite ongoing US arms sales to Israel. Nimrod Goren, president of the Mitvim Institute, noted that the absence of a Trump meeting so close to the election could negatively impact Netanyahu’s campaign.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has historically used his UN speeches to make dramatic presentations, often warning about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Last year, his address prompted several delegations to walk out, while his supporters cheered from the gallery.
Goren anticipates that Netanyahu’s upcoming speech will follow a familiar pattern: defending Israel, confronting critics, warning about Iran, and emphasizing Israel’s role in countering Tehran’s influence for the benefit of the international community. Netanyahu is also expected to highlight his accomplishments and close ties with the US.
Since launching its war in Gaza in response to Hamas-led attacks nearly three years ago, Israel has faced increasing diplomatic isolation. Netanyahu is restricted from traveling to many countries due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against him, his defense minister, and Hamas leadership in 2024.
Earlier this month, traditional allies such as Britain, France, and Canada imposed sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a move that elicited a muted reaction from Washington.
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