Benjamin Netanyahu Plans to Attend UN General Assembly Despite Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Call for His Arrest
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his intention to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York City this autumn, despite recent criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights, previously pledged to arrest Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court warrant, labeling him a "war criminal" and stating he is "not welcome" in the city. Netanyahu dismissed the mayor's claims as "bogus," accusing Mamdani of "fomenting hate" by attempting to turn different religious groups against one another. While the city lacks the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant, Netanyahu expressed concern over rising antisemitism in the United States. He also noted that the administration's support for Israel remains a priority, though he warned against the splintering of bipartisan support among progressive Democrats. The prime minister's visit follows a period of intense conflict in Gaza, where over 73,000 people have been allegedly killed by Israeli forces. Netanyahu also expressed his admiration for the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he described as an "extraordinary American patriot."