Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly despite criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him.
Speaking during an interview on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures, Netanyahu said he remains committed to addressing world leaders at the annual gathering.
“I intend to come and speak the truth, speak for Israel and for the Israeli-American alliance from the podium of the United Nations,” Netanyahu said.
The remarks come days after Mamdani softened his earlier pledge to enforce the ICC warrant, acknowledging that he does not have the legal authority to order the Israeli leader’s arrest.
Even so, the mayor maintained his criticism of Netanyahu, describing him as a war criminal who is responsible for “a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people” and insisting he “is not welcome in New York City.”
Responding to the comments, Netanyahu dismissed the allegations and accused Mamdani of fuelling division.
The Israeli leader said the mayor was promoting “bogus charges,” dividing New Yorkers and “fomenting hate.”
Mamdani’s change of position followed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on social media that Netanyahu would not be arrested in the United States “in any way, shape, or form” despite the ICC warrant.
Under international diplomatic practice, heads of state attending official engagements at the United Nations generally enjoy diplomatic immunity while in the United States. The U.S. is also not a member of the International Criminal Court and is therefore not legally obligated to enforce its arrest warrants.
Israel has consistently rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza, maintaining that its military campaign was a legitimate act of self-defence following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others were taken hostage.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, Israel’s military offensive has left more than 73,000 people dead and caused widespread destruction across the territory.
