NYC mayor's protest call meets firm rebuke from Israel ahead of UN speech

Israel’s UN representative, Danny Danon, told the press that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s call for protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not stop the Israeli leader from speaking at the upcoming General Assembly. Danon accused Mamdani of fostering disorder instead of preserving public safety, insisting the prime minister’s appearance is inevitable. Mamdani, speaking in July, emphasized that protest is a foundational element of the city’s identity and affirmed respect for the Constitution and the First Amendment, though he did not reveal whether he would attend the demonstrations.

The mayor’s office has not responded to further inquiries. Earlier, Mamdani had suggested the city could arrest Netanyahu over an International Criminal Court warrant, but later acknowledged the city lacks jurisdiction over a foreign head of state. Netanyahu is set to arrive in the United States on September 23 and address the UN the following day, a trip that occurs amid criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Syria and broader Middle-East conflicts, as well as heightened scrutiny of the U.S.-Iran situation. Supporters of Israel are expected to organize counter-protests, and some delegations may walk out or boo during the speech.