Netanyahu Confirms Attendance at UN General Assembly Despite Calls for Arrest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, despite New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s requests for his arrest if he comes to the city.

“I’m going to New York,” Netanyahu stated in an interview on “Hannity” following a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. He expressed his intention to confront what he sees as divisive rhetoric: “I’m going to speak the truth in front of this hate-spewing elected official who is pitting one group of New Yorkers against another,” referring specifically to the Jewish community.

Mamdani has been vocal in his criticism of Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes linked to military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. He labeled Netanyahu a “war criminal” and referred to his actions as part of a “horrific genocide” against Palestinians.

While Mamdani acknowledged that local authorities lack the legal grounds to detain Netanyahu based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, he has urged federal authorities to take action.

In response, Netanyahu denounced the mayor’s comments, accusing him of inciting hatred and trying to turn the people of New York against Jews. He questioned the morality of Mamdani’s statements, saying, “What are we in the 1930s? What is this? Too much hate, too many lies.”

Additionally, President Trump has also criticized the ongoing violence in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, saying there have been too many casualties. Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has joined the calls for action against Israeli leaders.

Netanyahu described the ICC as a “corrupt and evil organization” and questioned why it targets him while not addressing other groups like Hamas, whom he feels are also culpable. He warned that the ICC could potentially label Trump or U.S. military personnel as war criminals. “They could say that the president of the United States is a war criminal,” he noted.

Reflecting on his meeting with Trump, Netanyahu called it “one of the best meetings” he has had with the president and emphasized the strong alliance between their administrations, dismissing any speculation about cracks in the partnership.

He concluded by reiterating their shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, framing the situation as one of global and national security, saying, “We have a common goal, and that will be achieved through diplomatic and other means.”

Netanyahu plans to appear on the next episode of “Hangout with Sean Hannity” this Thursday, where he is expected to discuss these ongoing issues further.