Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed plans to address the United Nations in New York City, openly defying an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and a public statement from Mayor Zohran Mamdani declaring him unwelcome. According to an interview on Fox News with Maria Bartiromo, Netanyahu dismissed the local opposition as he prepared for the trip to speak from the international podium.
Netanyahu UN Visit Defies ICC Warrant and Local Pushback
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday Morning Futures that he will travel to New York City to represent Israel and the Israeli-American alliance at the United Nations. According to Netanyahu, the trip moves forward despite an active International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in November 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, alongside former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Mayor Zohran Mamdani previously stated during a campaign appearance that he would have Netanyahu arrested if he visited the city, though Mamdani later acknowledged that New York City lacks the legal authority to execute such an arrest itself.
Clashing Narratives Over Jewish American Public Opinion
During his interview with Maria Bartiromo, Netanyahu claimed that Mayor Zohran Mamdani is “fomenting hate” and trying to divide communities, asserting that Jewish Americans feel afraid. However, public polling complicates that characterization. According to a June survey of more than 1,000 Jewish adults by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 44 percent of respondents viewed Mamdani favorably, while 39 percent viewed him unfavorably. By contrast, only about one-third of Jewish adults reported a favorable opinion of Netanyahu, and roughly 60 percent held an unfavorable view. Furthermore, the same polling indicates that 30 percent of surveyed Jewish adults believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.
Did you know? According to a YouGov poll published this week, 46 percent of people across the United States believe Netanyahu should be arrested, compared to 28 percent who said he should not face arrest.
Disputed Claims Concerning the October 7 Attacks
Netanyahu used his television appearance to level accusations against Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his family, claiming they celebrated the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that killed about 1,100 people. According to Netanyahu, Mamdani supports individuals who carried out massacres, rapes, and burned babies alive. While Hamas gunmen did kill scores of unarmed civilians and take hostages during the assault, numerous specific claims regarding the atrocities—such as the beheading of babies—have been repeatedly debunked despite widespread early sharing by Israeli officials. Mamdani has consistently characterized the October 7 attacks by Hamas as a horrific war crime.
Shifting Political Landscapes and Broader Regional Tensions
The upcoming United Nations visit unfolds against a broader backdrop of declining US voter support for Israeli military strategies and regional policies. Voters have undergone a seismic shift away from support for Israel over the last several years, creating friction for supporters seeking to defend foreign policy decisions in domestic politics. Meanwhile, Netanyahu warned during his Fox News appearance that any renewed Iranian strikes against Israel would constitute a terrible mistake, even as the broader US-Israel war on Iran remains deeply unpopular among the American electorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Benjamin Netanyahu traveling to New York City?
Netanyahu stated he is traveling to New York City to speak from the podium of the United Nations to represent Israel and the Israeli-American alliance.
What did Mayor Zohran Mamdani say about Netanyahu?
According to campaign statements and subsequent clarifications, Mamdani stated that Netanyahu is a war criminal who should be arrested if he enters the United States, though he noted that local municipal authorities in New York City lack the jurisdiction to carry out the arrest themselves.
What do polls say about Jewish American views on Netanyahu and Mamdani?
According to an Associated Press-NORC poll, 44 percent of Jewish adults view Mamdani favorably, while only about one-third view Netanyahu favorably, with approximately 60 percent holding an unfavorable view of the Israeli prime minister.
Why does Netanyahu face an International Criminal Court warrant?
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
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