Netanyahu to Attend UN General Assembly in New York

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to travel to New York to attend the United Nations leaders’ summit. The visit is scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 September.

According to the information gathered, Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a speech before the UN General Assembly on Thursday, 24 September. This routine annual visit will proceed despite the shadow of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Netanyahu is reported to be unconcerned about the possibility of arrest whilst in the United States, as the US does not recognise the ICC tribunal’s authority.

Previously, the ICC issued an arrest warrant on the grounds that there was strong evidence Netanyahu used starvation as a weapon of war through restrictions on humanitarian aid and the targeting of civilians in the military campaign against Hamas. Israel has firmly rejected these allegations.

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stressed the importance of the Prime Minister’s attendance. He also criticised Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who called Netanyahu a war criminal and called for his arrest. Danon dismissed the move as a mere political manoeuvre, noting that the New York city government has no authority to detain Netanyahu.

“Blaming Israel has now become a trend in politics. For us, it is very important for the Prime Minister to be present,” Danon said.

Netanyahu’s presence in New York is expected to be met with waves of protest. In addition to anti-Zionist demonstrations anticipated outside the UN building, Israeli left-wing groups in New York also frequently protest Netanyahu’s domestic policies during his annual visits.

Danon also anticipates the possibility of boycotts inside the chamber, similar to last year when many delegations staged a walkout as Netanyahu began speaking at the podium. “I expect there will be a similar ‘show’ this year,” he added.

In response to these protests, several major Jewish organisations are reported to be planning a rally against antisemitism to be held to coincide with the UN General Assembly. (The Daily Express/I-2)