2 hrs ago
Netanyahu Set to Attack Mamdani in UN Election-Eve Speech
Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel’s prime minister, and Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York.
The two politicians have argued publicly about Israel’s war in Gaza.
Mamdani has called Netanyahu a war criminal and once promised to seek his arrest if he visited New York.
He later said he did not have the legal power to do that.
Netanyahu says the accusations against him are wrong.
He plans to speak at the United Nations while visiting New York.
Analysts think the speech may be aimed more at Israeli voters than at the world body.
Israel is facing criticism from other countries over the Gaza war.
Netanyahu is also preparing for an Israeli election on October 27.
Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to criticize New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his United Nations address on Thursday.
Mamdani previously promised to seek Netanyahu’s arrest in New York over alleged war crimes, but later said he lacked the legal authority.
Netanyahu rejected war-crimes allegations and accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas, an accusation Reuters described as false.
Analysts said Netanyahu may use the address primarily to appeal to Israeli voters ahead of the October 27 election.
Netanyahu is expected to return to Israel the same day and is not expected to meet United States President Donald Trump.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani are at the center of the dispute.
- What
- Netanyahu is expected to use his United Nations address to criticize Mamdani, defend Israel and discuss Iran and his record.
- Where
- The speech will take place at the United Nations in New York.
- When
- The address is expected on Thursday; Israel’s general election is scheduled for October 27.
- Why
- Analysts say Netanyahu may be addressing Israeli voters, defending his government and responding to criticism over the Gaza war.
Mamdani’s Criticism
Netanyahu’s Defense
Alleged war crimes and Gaza
Mamdani’s Criticism
Mamdani has described Netanyahu as a war criminal and called him the architect of what he termed a horrific genocide against Palestinians.
Netanyahu’s Defense
Netanyahu rejects war-crimes allegations and says he will speak about the actions of Israeli soldiers and defend Israel.
Mamdani and Hamas
Mamdani’s Criticism
Mamdani’s campaign focused on seeking Netanyahu’s arrest if he visited New York, though he later said he lacked the legal authority to do so.
Netanyahu’s Defense
Netanyahu accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas; Reuters described that accusation as false.
Purpose of the United Nations speech
Mamdani’s Criticism
Netanyahu’s critics and analysts view the address as part of a political campaign amid Israel’s international criticism and his domestic election challenge.
Netanyahu’s Defense
Netanyahu is expected to present Israel’s case, confront its critics, warn about Iran and highlight his achievements and ties with the United States.
Key facts
- Speaker
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister
- New York mayor
- Zohran Mamdani
- Speech venue
- United Nations, New York
- Israeli election
- Scheduled for October 27
- U.S. meeting
- Netanyahu is not expected to meet Donald Trump
- Travel schedule
- He is expected to arrive in New York and return to Israel the same day
- Legal pressure
- An International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in 2024 limits Netanyahu’s travel to many countries
Quotes
Michael Oren
Former Israeli ambassador who commented on Netanyahu’s expected speech and electoral strategy
“Maybe he’s thinking, ‘If I can attack Mamdani and attack the Iranians, somebody who was wavering between voting for me and voting for (Gadi) Eisenkot may decide to vote for me,'”
theprint.in
Sources
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