Netanyahu Plans 24-Hour New York Visit as Mamdani Calls for His Arrest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning a brief 24-hour visit to New York later this month to attend the United Nations General Assembly, despite a growing dispute with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has called for Netanyahu to be arrested over an International Criminal Court warrant. Netanyahu is expected to arrive in New York on September 23, deliver his address to the UN General Assembly on September 24 and leave the city later that day. The short itinerary comes as the Israeli prime minister faces renewed international criticism over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and continued controversy surrounding the ICC arrest warrant issued against him.

Mamdani has been outspoken in his criticism of Netanyahu and has said that the Israeli leader should be arrested if he enters New York. The mayor has also acknowledged that city authorities do not have the independent legal power to enforce the ICC warrant. Instead, he has called on the US federal government to take action. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, alleging responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegations and challenged the court’s jurisdiction. The United States and Israel are not members of the ICC, further complicating any potential attempt to enforce the warrant on American soil.

Israeli officials have nevertheless made clear that Netanyahu intends to attend the UN gathering. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has defended the planned visit and criticized Mamdani’s position. Israeli officials expect Netanyahu’s appearance to draw large demonstrations, particularly from groups opposed to Israel’s Gaza campaign.

The planned visit is also likely to bring heightened security around the United Nations headquarters. Netanyahu has faced significant protests during previous visits to New York, including a major demonstration during his UN appearance last year. His upcoming speech is expected to attract further attention as governments continue to debate the Gaza war, the humanitarian situation and the wider conflict in the Middle East. For Netanyahu, the UN address will provide an opportunity to outline Israel’s position before representatives of countries from around the world. Israeli officials have also indicated that diplomatic developments and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords could feature in discussions surrounding the visit.

The dispute between Mamdani and Netanyahu highlights the complicated legal and political questions surrounding the ICC warrant. While Mamdani has continued to push for accountability, the authority to enforce an international arrest warrant in the United States remains outside the mayor’s direct control. With Netanyahu planning to spend only about a day in New York, his visit is expected to become a major focus of attention during the UN General Assembly, particularly as tensions between the Israeli government and critics of its Gaza policy remain high.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.