Netanyahu cuts New York UNGA visit to few hours

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is dramatically reducing the length of his upcoming visit to New York, limiting his stay to just a few hours on Thursday. The prime minister will address the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) shortly after his arrival, then depart for Israel the same evening. This shortened itinerary followed security warnings presented to Netanyahu during recent discussions with Israeli intelligence officials.

Security officials recommended against an overnight stay in the US, citing specific intelligence that raised concerns. The decision to cut the visit also came after a planned stop in Texas to meet with Tesla CEO Elon Musk was canceled. Netanyahu's trip does not include a meeting with US President Donald Trump, who has cited scheduling difficulties.

The visit coincides with heightened security concerns and anticipated protests in New York over Israel's actions in Gaza and its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict. The prime minister plans to use his UN appearance to defend Israel and counter what he calls false narratives about its military actions.

The current visit should not be confused with footage from the 80th General Assembly in September 2025, showing diplomats walking out during Netanyahu's speech, which was misleadingly recirculated as recent footage.