Netanyahu Confirms UN General Assembly Visit Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Row

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he intends to travel to New York to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly despite criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently stated that the Israeli leader is "not welcome" in the city. Speaking on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, Netanyahu said he plans to address the UN General Assembly to present Israel's position on the ongoing conflict and reaffirm the alliance between Israel and the United States. His remarks come amid continued international scrutiny over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and legal proceedings initiated by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Netanyahu said he would travel to New York regardless of the controversy surrounding the ICC arrest warrant issued against him. "I intend to come and speak the truth, speak for Israel and for the Israeli-American alliance from the podium of the United Nations," he said during the interview. The Israeli leader also dismissed accusations made against him, maintaining that he would use the international platform to defend Israel's actions and respond to criticism from several world leaders and human rights organisations.

The latest exchange follows comments made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously suggested that Netanyahu should not be welcomed in the city because of allegations related to the Gaza conflict. Mamdani later acknowledged that he does not have the legal authority to enforce the ICC arrest warrant or detain a visiting foreign leader. Despite that clarification, he continued to describe Netanyahu as a war criminal and accused him of being responsible for what he called a "horrific genocide" against Palestinians. Netanyahu rejected those allegations, accusing Mamdani of spreading "bogus charges", dividing New Yorkers and promoting hatred.

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The issue gained further attention after US President Donald Trump stated on social media that Netanyahu would not be arrested in the United States "in any way, shape, or form" despite the ICC's actions. Under international diplomatic norms, sitting heads of state generally enjoy immunity while visiting the United States on official business. In addition, the United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court and is therefore not legally obligated to enforce arrest warrants issued by the tribunal.

The conflict at the centre of the dispute began after Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, during which militants killed around 1,200 people and took approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Israel says its military campaign in Gaza is a legitimate act of self-defence aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States and several other countries. Israel has consistently rejected allegations that its military operations constitute genocide or violate international law.

The humanitarian impact of the war has remained a major source of international concern. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, more than 73,000 people have been killed during the conflict, while large parts of the territory have been destroyed by Israeli military operations. The ICC proceedings and the political debate surrounding Netanyahu's planned UN visit continue to highlight the deep divisions within the international community over the Gaza war, accountability, and the role of global institutions in addressing the conflict.

Also Read: Zohran Mamdani Demands Netanyahu's Arrest During Any New York Visit