Netanyahu heads to UN amid calls for his arrest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to embark on a 24-hour trip to the United Nations for the annual gathering of world leaders, amid calls for his arrest following the conflict in Gaza. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for accusing Netanyahu of being a war criminal and requesting his arrest, a request which was subsequently withdrawn due to New York City's lack of authority to detain the prime minister.

Danon emphasized the importance of Netanyahu attending the UN event, stating that it has become a common practice to politicize Israel. The mayor's office did not comment on the situation. Netanyahu's visit comes amid his increasingly polarizing role following Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

Mamdani had pointed to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu in November 2024, accusing him and another Israeli official of crimes against humanity. The court alleges that Netanyahu used starvation as a weapon of war by limiting humanitarian aid and deliberately targeting civilians. Israel denies these allegations.

New York City lacks the legal jurisdiction to enforce an ICC arrest warrant, but Mamdani has urged the federal government to take action. The US and Israel are not members of the court, and the Trump administration imposed sanctions on ICC staff in an effort to dissolve the tribunal.

Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in New York on September 23, address the UN General Assembly on September 24, and depart for Israel the same day. The UN assembly coincides with the Jewish holidays and an Israeli election campaign, adding complexity to Netanyahu's visit. Danon noted that protests against Netanyahu could create chaos on New York streets during the high-profile meetings.

Last year, a mass walkout occurred during Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly. Danon anticipated a similar reaction this year, but expressed confidence in Netanyahu's ability to deliver his speech despite the attempts to disrupt the proceedings.