Netanyahu will make a quick trip to speak at the UN after Mamdani urged his arrest, diplomat says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to embark on a rapid 24-hour journey to the United Nations to address world leaders just days after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for his arrest over the Gaza conflict, according to Israel's U.N. envoy Danny Danon. The mayor's claims, which included labeling Netanyahu a "war criminal," have been withdrawn due to New York City's lack of jurisdiction to arrest the Israeli leader.

Despite the setback, Danon stressed that Netanyahu's attendance at the U.N. General Assembly is crucial. Netanyahu, who has gained a reputation as a polarizing figure due to his handling of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, is accused by Mamdani and others of using "starvation as a weapon of warfare" and targeting civilians, charges Israel strongly denies.

This comes despite the fact that both the U.S. and Israel are not members of the International Criminal Court, which issued a warrant against Netanyahu in November 2024. Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in New York on September 23, deliver his speech at the U.N. General Assembly on September 24, and depart for Israel on the same day.