Jerusalem, 22 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ahead of his upcoming address to the United Nations General Assembly, amid renewed tensions over Mamdani’s statements about Netanyahu’s visit.
Mamdani recently again called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and an “architect of a horrific genocide,” while acknowledging that he does not have the authority to arrest the Israeli prime minister.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Thursday afternoon during a brief visit to New York. His trip has been shortened to roughly 24 hours because of the Jewish holidays and Israel’s election campaign.
The confrontation follows Mamdani’s earlier calls for Netanyahu’s arrest during his mayoral campaign. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon has said Netanyahu’s attendance remains important despite the controversy and expected protests.
Mamdani has since said he will not personally participate in protests against Netanyahu.