Netanyahu’s New York Visit Amid Controversy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York despite threats of arrest by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Netanyahu stated unequivocally, “I’m going to New York,” during an interview with “Hannity” after meeting with President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu criticized Mamdani for causing division among New Yorkers, particularly targeting the Jewish community. Meanwhile, Mamdani has labeled Netanyahu as a “war criminal,” criticizing him for alleged war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon. Although Mamdani recognized his lack of legal authority to arrest Netanyahu under the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) warrant, he urged federal officials to take action.

Netanyahu retaliated by accusing Mamdani of spreading hate. During his interview with Sean Hannity, he expressed frustration over what he called lies and hate reminiscent of historical evils. Trump also weighed in, criticizing Israel’s actions in the Middle East, noting the high death toll, particularly in Lebanon. Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has echoed Mamdani’s call to arrest Netanyahu.

Netanyahu dismissed the ICC as corrupt, challenging its designation of him as a war criminal while ignoring groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. He warned that the ICC could extend war crimes charges to U.S. leaders and servicemembers.

The Israeli Prime Minister described his meeting with Trump as notably positive, referring to their partnership as a “wall of granite.” Netanyahu emphasized a shared goal of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, indicating that such objectives would be pursued through diplomatic or alternative means.

Netanyahu is set to appear on “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.