Netanyahu Expected to Attack New York Mayor Mamdani in UN Address Ahead of Israeli Election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to use his Thursday address at the UN to go after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, according to Reuters. Mamdani has called Netanyahu a war criminal and “the architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians.” In a video statement, Netanyahu said he was coming to “tell the truth about you,” and he falsely accused the mayor of backing Hamas. Netanyahu rejects the war crimes allegations. Mamdani had promised during his campaign to have him arrested, but later said he lacked the legal authority.

Israeli Election Five Weeks Away

Polls suggest the Oct. 27 election could end Netanyahu’s long hold on power. Former ambassador Michael Oren expects a “campaign speech” aimed at voters torn between Netanyahu and rival Gadi Eisenkot.

Netanyahu Trump Meeting Not Expected

The visit is short, with a same day return. No meeting with Donald Trump is planned, and the two clashed over an interim US-Iran ceasefire that Netanyahu opposed. Analyst Nimrod Goren said skipping Trump would hurt the campaign. Talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio are being discussed, but nothing is set.

An International Criminal Court arrest warrant limits his travel. Britain, France and Canada recently announced sanctions on West Bank settlements.