Netanyahu and New York Mayor Mamdani Trade Accusations at UN Session
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the UN, while Mamdani called for Netanyahu's arrest over alleged war crimes.
At a United Nations General Assembly address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, claiming the mayor was disseminating lies about Israel and endorsing figures like Hasan Piker, who are described as pro-Hamas. In retaliation, Mamdani urged U.S. federal officials to arrest Netanyahu, referencing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant that alleges war crimes in Gaza.
Netanyahu labeled Mamdani’s statements as shameful, while the mayor accused the Israeli leader of genocide against Palestinians. The confrontation unfolded while Netanyahu was visiting New York for the UN meeting, intensifying the diplomatic dispute over the Gaza war. Both sides framed the other as spreading misinformation and undermining their respective constituencies.
Why it matters
The clash underscores how the Israel-Gaza conflict is spilling into international forums and affecting U.S. local-national politics.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Netanyahu urges fragmented right-wing parties to merge ahead of October election
- Sep 12 Eisenkot’s Yashar party entered the race with a poll showing 23 projected seats.
- Sep 22 Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his view that Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, noting the ICC’s arrest warrant but acknowledging he cannot detain the Israeli leader.
- Sep 22 French President Emmanuel Macron used his final UN address to call for full sovereignty for Lebanon and Palestine, condemning ongoing Israeli actions.
- Sep 23 Macron’s UN address added a call for stronger UN backing and independent AI development.
- Sep 23 Macron delivered his final UN address as head of state.
- Sep 24 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that the international community must accelerate the US-backed Gaza peace plan and prevent a repeat of the 1948 displacement.
- Sep 24 Netanyahu announced he will use his UN appearance to directly attack New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- Sep 24 The United States denied visas to Abbas and other Palestinian officials for a second consecutive year, forcing a video address to the UN.
- Sep 24 Netanyahu delivered the UN address and a large walkout occurred.
- Sep 24 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative UN speech, attacking Iran, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and allies Britain, France and Turkey, prompting walkouts and protests.
- Sep 25 A mass walkout by UN delegates and arrests of protesters occurred after the speech.
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