Netanyahu Takes Aim at Mamdani as Israel Election Nears

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to use his United Nations address on Thursday to criticize New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as the Israeli leader faces international pressure and a closely watched election at home.

Netanyahu said in a video statement this week that he was traveling to New York to defend Israeli soldiers and respond directly to Mamdani. The mayor has accused Netanyahu of war crimes and described him as responsible for what Mamdani called a genocide against Palestinians. Netanyahu rejects allegations of war crimes.

During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani pledged to seek Netanyahu's arrest if the Israeli prime minister visited New York, citing an International Criminal Court warrant. Mamdani later acknowledged that he did not have the legal authority to carry out such an arrest.

The UN appearance comes roughly five weeks before Israel's October 27 general election. Opinion polls cited in the source article suggest the vote could threaten Netanyahu's long tenure in power. Former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren said he expects the speech to be aimed heavily at Israeli voters, with Netanyahu likely to emphasize security, Iran and criticism from abroad.

Netanyahu is scheduled to make a brief visit to New York, arriving Thursday and returning to Israel after his afternoon speech. His office said meetings are planned with several foreign leaders, but no meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is expected.

Relations between Netanyahu and Trump have faced tensions since Washington and Tehran agreed to an interim ceasefire opposed by the Israeli leader. Netanyahu's trip also comes as Israel faces increased diplomatic criticism over the Gaza war.

The Israeli prime minister has frequently used UN speeches to defend his government's security policies and warn about Iran's nuclear program. This year's address is expected to follow a similar approach while highlighting Israel's international challenges and Netanyahu's political record.

Netanyahu also remains subject to a 2024 International Criminal Court arrest warrant, limiting his ability to travel to some countries. Britain, France and Canada recently announced sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank, adding to diplomatic pressure on his government.