Netanyahu – Israeli PM Confirms UN Visit Despite Criticism From New York Mayor
Netanyahu –Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that he will travel to New York in September to attend the United Nations General Assembly, rejecting any suggestion that concerns over possible legal action would alter his plans. During an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Netanyahu also delivered strong criticism of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of encouraging hostility toward the city’s Jewish community.
Netanyahu made the remarks while speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity, who referred to previous comments linked to the mayor regarding the possibility of legal action if the Israeli leader entered New York. In response, Netanyahu said his visit to the United Nations would proceed as scheduled and added that he looked forward to addressing the international gathering in person.
Netanyahu Defends Planned New York Visit
Reiterating his commitment to attend the annual UN General Assembly, Netanyahu dismissed speculation that he might avoid the trip because of political controversy. He stressed that he intended to present Israel’s position before the international community and made it clear that outside criticism would not influence his decision.
The Israeli prime minister also accused Mayor Mamdani of creating divisions within New York by, in his view, turning communities against one another. Netanyahu alleged that the mayor’s public statements had contributed to growing hostility toward Jewish residents, comparing the atmosphere to troubling periods of history marked by rising antisemitism. His remarks reflected escalating political tensions between the two leaders over recent weeks.
Mayor Declines Political Exchange
Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to questions about Netanyahu during a press conference in Brooklyn on Monday but avoided engaging in a direct political dispute. According to Fox News, the mayor said he had no interest in exchanging public criticism with the Israeli prime minister.
Instead, Mamdani emphasized that protecting every resident of New York remains one of his administration’s highest priorities. He specifically noted that Jewish New Yorkers account for a significant share of hate crime victims despite representing a minority of the city’s population. He said such attacks are unacceptable and pledged continued efforts to improve public safety for all communities.
Questions Over ICC Position
During the same media interaction, reporters also asked Mamdani whether he had discussed his earlier comments about the International Criminal Court with US President Donald Trump. Those earlier remarks had included support for recognizing the court’s jurisdiction and raised questions about how the city should respond if Netanyahu visited New York.
The mayor declined to disclose details of any conversations with the president, stating only that discussions between them would remain private. He did not expand on his previous position regarding the ICC during the press conference.
Hate Crime Investigation Adds Context
The political exchange comes as New York authorities continue investigating a violent incident that prosecutors have described as a suspected hate crime. The case involves 51-year-old Raul Morales, who faces two counts of attempted second-degree murder classified as hate crimes.
According to prosecutors, Morales first attacked a 57-year-old Asian man from behind, allegedly shouting “Allahu Akbar” before stabbing him. Investigators further allege that, only a few blocks away, Morales targeted a Jewish man wearing a kippah who had recently left a synagogue, reportedly stabbing him in the chest with a screwdriver. Court filings say both attacks occurred in broad daylight on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and are being examined as separate but related hate-motivated assaults.
The investigation has renewed discussion about public safety and the protection of communities vulnerable to hate crimes, an issue that has become part of the wider political debate surrounding statements made by both Netanyahu and Mamdani ahead of the Israeli leader’s planned September visit to New York.