Security Officials Urge Netanyahu to Shorten US Trip Amid Threats

Senior security officials have advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce the duration of his upcoming trip to the United States due to security concerns and specific threats presented to him. The details of these threats have not been disclosed.

Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. comes amid a heated exchange with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams had previously stated that he believed Netanyahu to be a "war criminal" and the "architect of a terrible genocide of the Palestinian people," in response to which Netanyahu publicly rebuked him. "Shame on you for supporting the monsters of terror from Hamas who slaughtered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against the Jews of New York," Netanyahu stated. He added, "I am coming to the UN. I am going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I am going to tell the truth about you."

Adams' comments were made prior to Netanyahu's arrival in New York, during an interview with CNN where he was asked about his earlier statement regarding enforcing an international arrest warrant against Netanyahu, despite lacking the authority to do so. Adams clarified that the city has no authority to execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant. He also mentioned that he is still discussing the matter with the city's legal department to examine his authority to carry out such an arrest, and reiterated his belief that Netanyahu should face trial at the ICC in The Hague for alleged war crimes.

In July, Adams announced his intention to pursue an arrest warrant for the Prime Minister. He stated in an interview that he is actively engaged in discussions with the city's legal department regarding his authority to execute the arrest warrant.