Netanyahu's UN Visit Cut Short Due to Delayed Departure

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed Israel early Thursday for New York to attend the UN General Assembly, but his schedule has been significantly compressed due to a delayed takeoff. He is now expected to arrive just hours before his address.

The delay has already led to the cancellation of planned meetings, including one with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had to return to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon arrival, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with the new Prime Minister of Slovenia, Janez Janša, whose election has reportedly improved his country's relations with Israel.

Netanyahu's address, set for 2 p.m. New York time (9 p.m. Israel time), is expected to focus on the war against Iran and its implications, the rise of antisemitism, and calls for Hamas to be disarmed. He is also anticipated to address New York City Mayor Eric Adams in the context of antisemitism.

Following his speech, Netanyahu plans to meet with Argentinian President Javier Milei, as well as the presidents of Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, and Ethiopia, and the vice president of Colombia. He will also meet the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia, and Papua New Guinea.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, many leaders requested meetings, but Netanyahu could only accommodate some due to his tight schedule and the need to return to Israel before the Sukkot holiday. Security services presented Netanyahu with intelligence indicating travel warnings, recommending he shorten his stay as much as possible and not stay overnight. His landing in Israel is scheduled for Friday afternoon, the eve of the holiday.