Netanyahu Responds To New York Trip For UN General Assembly, Delivers Address Sept 24

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to New York on September 23 to attend the United Nations General Assembly and is scheduled to address the gathering on September 24, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office announced Monday.

According to Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu’s visit to the United States will run from September 23 to 25, following Yom Kippur and ahead of the Sukkot holiday.

His appearance at the annual UN gathering comes as Israel faces continued international criticism over its military campaign in Gaza and growing diplomatic pressure concerning the Palestinian issue.

Netanyahu last attended the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2025, before Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City.

During that appearance, Netanyahu strongly criticized Western countries that had moved toward recognizing a Palestinian state.

Addressing the 80th General Assembly, Netanyahu argued that such recognition sent the wrong message to Palestinians.

He said countries recognizing Palestinian statehood were effectively suggesting that violence against Israelis could produce political gains.

This year’s visit also comes against the backdrop of controversy surrounding Mamdani’s previous statements about Netanyahu and the International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against the Israeli prime minister.

During his campaign for New York mayor, Mamdani repeatedly said he would instruct the New York Police Department to arrest Netanyahu if he entered the city.

In a September 2025 interview, he described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and accused him of committing genocide in Gaza, saying he intended to fulfill his pledge.

However, in July, Mamdani acknowledged that he did not have the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant.

He maintained his criticism of Netanyahu while saying the Israeli leader was not welcome in New York.

In a July 22 social-media statement, Mamdani again accused Netanyahu of responsibility for widespread Palestinian deaths and injuries and criticized restrictions on humanitarian assistance entering Gaza.

He said Netanyahu should face a court of law.

Netanyahu’s September 24 UN address is expected to draw significant international attention amid ongoing debate over Israel’s policies, the Gaza conflict and Palestinian statehood.

COURTESY: Adaekpean