by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to New York next week to address the United Nations General Assembly, refusing to surrender one of the world’s most important diplomatic platforms to political threats and expected street protests.
Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive late on September 23, deliver his address the following afternoon and return to Israel that night, according to Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon.
The unusually brief visit comes during the Jewish holiday season and amid heightened security concerns surrounding the annual gathering of world leaders.
Danon said Netanyahu’s appearance carries particular importance after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani repeatedly denounced the Israeli leader and called for his arrest over an International Criminal Court warrant connected to the war in Gaza.
“For us, it’s important the prime minister will come,” Danon said, adding that Netanyahu would deliver his address despite efforts to intimidate or disrupt him.
A Diplomatic Stage Israel Cannot Abandon
For Israel, the General Assembly podium offers a rare opportunity to answer accusations before the same international body that has frequently singled out the Jewish state for condemnation.
Netanyahu has used previous U.N. speeches to confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions, defend Israel’s right to protect its citizens and challenge governments that criticize Israeli military operations while minimizing the threat posed by Hamas and other Iranian-backed terrorist organizations.
His coming address is expected to place those arguments before a deeply divided international audience. Although the prime minister’s office has not released the speech, the wars against Hamas and Iran-backed forces, the future of Gaza, and Israel’s broader security concerns are likely to shape his message.
The United Nations’ 2026 High-Level Week brings together representatives of its 193 member states for speeches and diplomatic meetings in New York. The gathering is scheduled to take place during the week of September 22.
Mamdani Retreats From Arrest Pledge
Mamdani previously declared that Netanyahu should be arrested if he entered New York, citing the ICC warrant issued in 2024. The court accused Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity—charges Israel firmly denies.
Israel rejects the ICC’s jurisdiction and maintains that its military campaign followed the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, 2023. The United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the court.
Mamdani later acknowledged that New York City does not possess the legal authority to execute the warrant. He instead urged the federal government to act and encouraged demonstrations during Netanyahu’s visit.
Danon accused the mayor of inflaming tensions rather than protecting public order during one of New York’s most demanding diplomatic events.
“We are aware of demonstrations that will take place, and the security measures will be appropriate,” Danon said in separate remarks. “I’m sure it will be more intense this year.”
Standing Before a Hostile Assembly
Netanyahu is no stranger to opposition at the United Nations. Delegates staged a large walkout when he approached the podium in 2025, and Danon said Israel expects another organized display this year.
Still, the prime minister’s decision to attend reflects a judgment that Israel cannot afford silence while its enemies and critics dominate the international debate.
The setting may be hostile, the demonstrations may be loud, and the diplomatic reception may be cold. But Israel’s case—its right to exist, defend its people and confront those committed to its destruction—will once again be heard from the General Assembly floor.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
