Netanyahu says he will address UN in New York despite ICC warrant and mayor's criticism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to speak at the United Nations in New York, rejecting an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and remarks by Mayor Zohran Mamdani that he is not welcome in the city.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that he intends to travel to New York to address the United Nations, saying he will "speak the truth – speak for Israel and for the Israeli-American alliance from the podium of the United Nations." His comments came after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Netanyahu would not be welcome in the city and that he should be arrested if he arrived.
Netanyahu accused Mamdani of "fomenting hate" and claimed the mayor was trying to divide New Yorkers of different faiths. Mamdani, who has voiced support for Palestinian rights, responded that while he believes Netanyahu should be arrested under international law, the city lacks the authority to do so.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza. A recent YouGov poll found 46% of Americans think Netanyahu should be arrested, while 28% disagree.
A June survey of more than 1,000 Jewish adults in the United States showed 44% viewed Mamdani favorably and 39% unfavorably, whereas about one-third held a favorable view of Netanyahu and roughly 60% held an unfavorable view. The same poll indicated that 30% of Jewish respondents believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.
Netanyahu also warned that any renewed Iranian attacks on Israel would be "a terrible mistake," reiterating his long-standing focus on confronting Iran despite declining public support for such policies in the United States.