Netanyahu Challenges Mamdani, Vows New York Visit While Accusing Him of Promoting Hate

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back strongly against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s call to bar him from the city, saying he plans to travel to New York in September to address the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu said his visit would focus on defending Israel’s position and strengthening the country’s ties with the United States.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Netanyahu dismissed Mamdani’s criticism and said he would appear at the UN platform to present what he described as “the truth” about Israel and the Jewish people. “I will come to New York to fight for the truth of the Jewish people,” Netanyahu said, adding that he intends to speak on behalf of Israel and the Israeli-American relationship from the UN podium.

The remarks came after Mamdani criticised Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes and saying he would not be welcome in New York City. In response, Netanyahu accused the mayor of supporting Hamas and claimed that his statements were contributing to hostility against Jewish communities. Netanyahu alleged that Mamdani’s position showed sympathy toward Hamas, referring to the October 7 attack on Israel. He repeated accusations against the militant group over the assault, including the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages.

The Israeli leader also rejected allegations that Israel has committed genocide during its military operations in Gaza. He argued that Hamas was responsible for genocidal intentions and said Israel’s actions were aimed at fighting a terrorist organisation operating among civilians. Netanyahu further criticised Mamdani’s approach as New York’s mayor, saying city leaders in the past had attempted to represent all communities rather than create divisions. He accused Mamdani of increasing tensions between different groups and warned that his comments could create fear among Jewish residents.

The Israeli prime minister also linked his concerns to a recent stabbing incident in Manhattan, saying that inflammatory political language could contribute to a hostile environment. According to reports, a man named Raul Morales, 51, was charged with attempted murder as a hate crime following two separate stabbing incidents on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Prosecutors alleged that one of the victims was a Jewish man wearing a kippah who had just left a synagogue.

Mamdani has maintained his criticism of Netanyahu, calling on the US government to enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister. He said Netanyahu should face trial over alleged crimes and reiterated that he would not be welcomed in New York City. Mamdani’s comments followed discussions between his administration and the New York City Law Department regarding the city’s legal options if Netanyahu visits New York for the UN General Assembly meeting in September. The dispute has added another layer to the ongoing political debate surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, with leaders on both sides exchanging sharp accusations ahead of Netanyahu’s expected appearance at the United Nations.