Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his intention to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September despite calls for his arrest and accusations of war crimes from New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, deepening political tensions over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu dismissed both the accusations against him and the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing them as politically motivated and without legal merit. He insisted that nothing would prevent him from addressing the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.
“I will go to the United Nations and speak the truth,” Netanyahu declared, stressing that Israel would continue to defend its actions against criticism from international bodies and political opponents.
The latest exchange follows comments made by Mamdani in a video released on July 22, in which the New York mayoral candidate accused the Israeli government of committing war crimes during its military operations in Gaza. Citing reports that more than 73,000 people have been killed and referencing attacks on hospitals and civilian infrastructure, Mamdani argued that Netanyahu should face justice if he entered the United States.
Netanyahu rejected the allegations, maintaining that Israel is engaged in a legitimate campaign against Hamas following the October 2023 attacks. He also expressed concern over what he described as a surge in antisemitism around the world, pointing to a recent stabbing of a Jewish man as evidence of growing hostility toward Jewish communities.
The Israeli leader argued that criticism of Israel’s military operations has, in some cases, fueled antisemitic sentiments and endangered Jewish people outside the Middle East. He called on governments to distinguish between legitimate political debate and acts of hatred directed at Jewish communities.
The dispute has sparked sharp political reactions across the United States, reflecting the increasingly polarized debate over the Gaza conflict. Several conservative politicians and public figures voiced support for Netanyahu, arguing that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism and rejecting efforts to isolate the Israeli leader diplomatically.
Among those weighing into the controversy was NBA player Kyle Kuzma, who publicly criticized Mamdani’s remarks, adding his voice to a growing list of commentators opposing the mayoral candidate’s position on Israel.
Meanwhile, some Jewish organizations and community leaders have condemned Mamdani’s comments, with certain groups calling for him to withdraw from the mayoral race or step aside, arguing that his rhetoric has contributed to divisions within New York’s diverse population. On the other hand, pro-Palestinian demonstrators and human rights advocates have continued to demand greater accountability for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, insisting that international law must be upheld.
The controversy comes as the International Criminal Court continues to face intense scrutiny over its decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel has consistently rejected the court’s jurisdiction and maintains that its military operations comply with international law.
Netanyahu’s planned appearance at the United Nations is expected to draw significant international attention, with protests anticipated from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups. Security is also likely to be heightened around the UN headquarters during the General Assembly.
As the Gaza conflict continues to shape global diplomacy, Netanyahu’s determination to address world leaders despite mounting criticism underscores the widening political divide over the war, both internationally and within the United States, where debates over Israel’s actions remain deeply contentious.
