Mayor Adams Meets Prime Minister Netanyahu at the UN

Mayor Eric Adams welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations on Friday, despite some criticism of Israeli leadership from local figures like Zoran Mamdani.

Following Netanyahu’s controversial speech at the UN General Assembly, which some delegates chose to boycott, Adams had a brief meeting with him. The mayor’s office released a photo showing Adams shaking Netanyahu’s hand alongside his wife, Sarah.

In a statement, Adams expressed pride in meeting the prime minister, highlighting New York City’s long-held belief in welcoming diverse opinions.

“We don’t always see eye to eye with these leaders, but our city is known for welcoming everyone, no matter their beliefs,” Adams noted.

“Allowing everyone to speak freely is part of who we are as both a city and a nation. While some may reject this idea today, I stand firmly behind it.”

Adams even adjusted his public schedule to attend the UNGA morning session where Netanyahu spoke. This marked the first time in years that a sitting mayor of New York had met an Israeli leader one-on-one since Michael Bloomberg in 2012.

Netanyahu’s supportive remarks contrasted sharply with those of Mamdani, a leading Democratic candidate and potential successor to Adams.

Mamdani criticized Netanyahu’s government, stating on social media, “Today, Benjamin Netanyahu will address the United Nations, as many conclude his government is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.”

He pointed out that while the mayor may not be able to stop these actions, he should speak out about the city’s commitment to human rights for all, including Palestinians, and advocate for peace and justice.

The progressive legislator from Queens, who has openly criticized Netanyahu, even pledged to instruct the NYPD to arrest the Israeli Prime Minister if he visits New York City after being elected.

Mamdani also referenced International Criminal Court warrants issued last year for Netanyahu’s alleged “crimes against humanity and war crimes” amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, insisting that the U.S. is not acknowledging these claims.

Later on Friday, during another press conference, Mamdani expressed that Adams’s expression of gratitude toward Netanyahu had upset many residents across five boroughs.

He questioned the morality of the mayor’s words, saying, “How can one justify the murder of a child, happening every hour for nearly two years, in the name of protecting our way of life?”

Netanyahu was among several world leaders participating in the 80th UN General Assembly this week.