Netanyahu Vows to Expose NYC Mayor Mamdani at UN General Assembly

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he will use his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday in New York to directly confront New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whom he accuses of supporting Hamas and inciting tensions against the Jewish community. In a video released before his departure for the United States, Netanyahu sharply criticized the mayor. "Shame on you, Mr. Adams," he stated, accusing him of supporting Hamas and encouraging attacks against New York Jews. "I am coming to the UN. I will tell the truth about our heroic soldiers. And I will tell the truth about you," the Prime Minister added.

This exchange follows Adams' recent remarks to CNN, where he again labeled Netanyahu a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide of the Palestinian people." The mayor also stated that the 2024 arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Israeli Prime Minister should be respected. Former Israeli diplomat Avi Pazner commented that "What Adams represents is more dangerous than he himself is."

During his mayoral campaign, Adams had stated he would seek to arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York. He has since acknowledged that a mayor lacks the legal authority to enforce an ICC warrant, and the United States is not a member of the court. Adams also indicated he would not participate in planned protests against Netanyahu's visit.

Despite the mayor's stance, several rallies are anticipated during Netanyahu's trip. The Israeli mission to the UN expects particularly large demonstrations this year. Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in New York on Wednesday and deliver his speech on Thursday before returning to Israel on Friday. His visit occurs amid significant tension between the Israeli government and the New York mayor, whose positions on Israel and the Gaza war have drawn strong criticism from the Jewish community and Israeli officials.