By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-09-02 16:31:26 | Updated at 2026-09-02 17:18:51
51 minutes ago
WASHINGTON — Israel is vowing that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s call for protests against Benjamin Netanyahu won’t stop the prime minister from addressing the upcoming UN General Assembly.
“Instead of uniting the city and maintaining public order and safety, Mamdani chooses to incite and promote chaos. He can protest as much as he wants,” Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon told The Post. “Israel’s Prime Minister will come to New York and address the General Assembly, as he does every year. No protest and no provocation will change that.”
Mamdani, in July, noted that “one of the bedrocks of our city is protesting. It is something that’s been a part of what makes our city so special that New Yorkers can express themselves whether they are in support or in opposition no matter what.”
“And I’ve always said that when we respect our Constitution, we also respect our First Amendment.”
He didn’t answer when asked whether he would join protests himself. NYPD expressed their frustration with the mayor’s call for civil disobedience.
City Hall did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
The mayor previously vowed to arrest Netanyahu over an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant but later conceded New York City lacks the legal authority against a foreign dignitary. The ICC issued the warrant over the treatment of civilians in Gaza, who suffered starvation and displacement during the Israeli attacks.
Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in the US on September 23rd and is expected to address the General Assembly the next day.
The prime minister’s visit comes amid anger over Israeli actions in the Middle East regarding its attacks on Syria and its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. There is also growing frustration with Israel and the United States’ war with Iran.
There are concerns delegations may walk out during his address or give loud boos. President Trump is not expected to meet with Netanyahu in New York as Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to be at the White House at that time.
Supporters of Israel are expected to hold counterprotests to show their support for Netanyahu.
Representatives from dozens of countries walked out last year as Netanyahu approached the podium to give his speech, where the prime minister offered a defiant defense of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Netanyahu was last in the United States in July for the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral and he met with Trump at the White House before the service.
