Netanyahu Plans UN Visit as New York Arrest Dispute Draws Attention

Israeli Prime Minister Scheduled to Address UN General Assembly

NEW YORK, New York — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning a 24-hour visit to New York on September 24 to address the United Nations General Assembly, according to official reports.

The announcement follows New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision to withdraw a legal appeal seeking Netanyahu's arrest, acknowledging that municipal authorities lack jurisdiction to enforce International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants.

ICC Arrest Warrant Controversy Sparks Diplomatic Debate

Despite withdrawing the municipal legal filing, Mamdani urged the U.S. federal government to execute the ICC warrant issued in November 2024 concerning military operations in Gaza. Israel continues to reject the court's jurisdiction and allegations.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, criticized Mamdani's stance and confirmed that Netanyahu remains committed to delivering his address before the General Assembly.

The planned visit is expected to draw political demonstrations, though federal officials noted that neither the United States nor Israel are signatories to the Rome Statute governing the International Criminal Court.