Netanyahu to Target Mamdani at UN Speech

Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to use his upcoming United Nations address to berate New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a conflict that highlights the Israeli leader’s growing isolation ahead of an election he may lose.

Fight With a Mayor

Mr. Netanyahu plans to confront the mayor directly during his speech on Thursday. The mayor called the prime minister “the architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians.” In a video statement this week, Mr. Netanyahu falsely accused Mr. Mamdani of supporting Hamas militants. He said he was going to New York “to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers” and “to tell the truth about you.”

Mr. Mamdani campaigned for office on a promise to have Mr. Netanyahu arrested for alleged war crimes should he visit the city. He later determined he lacked the legal authority to do so. Mr. Netanyahu will be making his first visit to New York since Mr. Mamdani took office in January. Israelis opposed to the right-wing government are also planning protests in the city.

A Campaign Speech

Opinion polls suggest a general election five weeks away could end Mr. Netanyahu’s long hold on power. The campaign is unfolding amid mounting criticism of the Gaza war and without a planned meeting with US President Donald Trump.

“He’s not really speaking to the UN, he’s speaking to the Israeli public,” said former Ambassador Michael Oren. Mr. Oren expects the address to resemble a “campaign speech.” He suggested Mr. Netanyahu might be 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.”

A Busy Schedule in New York

The Israeli leader is making an unusually short visit to the US for the address. After arriving early on Thursday, he is expected to fly back the same day after delivering his speech in the afternoon.

Mr. Netanyahu’s office said he will meet with the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, Ethiopia, and the vice president of Colombia. He is also scheduled to meet with the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia, and Papua Guinea.

Two Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that Netanyahu’s team is discussing potential meetings with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, no meetings have been confirmed, and notably, Netanyahu is not expected to meet with US President Donald Trump during his visit.

Diplomatic Strain

Netanyahu and Trump had previously collaborated on a war against Iran, which began on February 28. However, their relationship became strained after the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, which Netanyahu opposed. This development angered many Israelis, who questioned Trump’s commitment to Israeli security despite his administration’s ongoing arms sales to Israel.

Opinion polls showed they questioned Mr. Trump’s commitment to Israeli security, even as his administration proceeds with billions of dollars in arms sales. Nimrod Goren, president of the Mitvim think tank, said a lack of any encounter with the president will indicate that Trump is keeping a distance from him.

“A lack of any encounter with the president, a month before an Israeli election, will indicate that Trump is keeping a distance from him and will be negative for Netanyahu’s campaign,” said Nimrod Gor. The election is scheduled for October 27.