Netanyahu’s UN Speech Focuses Attention on Mamdani, Gaza War and Israel Election
Netanyahu’s UN speech draws out his argument with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, criticism of Gaza war, US ties and Israel’s October 27 election
Raja Awais Ali
9/24/20265 min read
Netanyahu’s UN Speech Puts Mamdani, Gaza War and Israel Election in Focus
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to use his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 24 to defend Israel’s military actions, confront criticism from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and strengthen his political message to Israeli voters, with the country’s general election now just over a month away.
Netanyahu arrived in New York for an unusually brief visit focused on his UN speech, which is expected to occur in the afternoon and return to Israel later the same day. The timing is significant as Israel’s general election is scheduled for October 27, with Netanyahu’s political future increasingly central.
Netanyahu has indicated that Mamdani will be part of his message, having said in a video statement earlier this week that he was going to New York to “tell the truth” about Israeli soldiers and about the New York mayor. Netanyahu also accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas, a claim Mamdani rejects. The dispute has intensified in recent days, with Mamdani referring to Netanyahu as a war criminal and calling him responsible for what he said was a horrific genocide of Palestinians, whom Netanyahu rejects allegations of war crimes and genocide.
Mamdani had campaigned for mayor on a promise to seek the arrest of Netanyahu if the Israeli leader visited New York because of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against him. Mamdani has since acknowledged that the New York City mayor does not have the legal authority to carry out such an arrest. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel rejects the court’s allegations and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC in the case.
The dispute has given Netanyahu a prominent domestic political issue to address while he is outside Israel. Former Israeli ambassador Michael Oren said the prime minister’s UN appearance could be like a campaign speech, as Netanyahu is speaking only weeks before the October 27 election. It is therefore expected to combine Israel’s foreign-policy arguments with messages to voters at home.
Iran is also likely to feature prominently, with Netanyahu repeatedly using his UN appearances to warn about Iran’s nuclear program and present Israel’s security concerns to an international audience. Previous speeches have included charts and other visual elements designed to illustrate Israel’s threats from Tehran. This year, the wider regional conflict and future of Iran’s nuclear capabilities are likely to remain key subjects.
Netanyahu’s visit is also notable in that he is not expected to meet US President Donald Trump. The absence of a Trump meeting comes after the two leaders had been closely associated during the conflict with Iran. The United States and Iran later agreed to an interim ceasefire, which Netanyahu opposed. Israeli political analysts have said that a Trump meeting would have held particular importance for Netanyahu as he enters the final weeks before the election.
Trump did meet Mamdani in New York earlier this week, discussing mainly New York housing and other city issues. They presented a co-operative tone despite major political differences. The meeting has added another layer to Netanyahu’s New York visit, as the Israeli prime minister is scheduled to confront Mamdani publicly, while Trump has no announced meeting with Netanyahu during the trip.
Netanyahu’s schedule for the visit is considerably shorter than his some of previous trips to the United States. According to his office, he is expected to meet the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama and Ethiopia, as well as Colombia’s vice president and the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia and Papua New Guinea. His office has not announced a meeting with Trump, while reports of possible discussions with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had not resulted in a confirmed meeting at the time of the latest reports.
The lack of a Trump meeting has attracted attention, as the US relationship has traditionally been an important part of Netanyahu’s political message. Analysts cited by Israeli media have noted that Netanyahu has previously presented his relationships with US and other international leaders as an advantage in dealing with Israel’s security challenges. The current visit provides less opportunity for that message due to its limited schedule.
At home, Netanyahu is faced with an increasingly important election campaign. Israel’s vote is set for October 27, with recent polling showing Netanyahu’s political bloc struggling to capture the 61 seats needed to form a government, although individual polling has shown varying results. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is amongst the figures challenging Netanyahu’s political position.
The election campaign is taking place against the backdrop of the Gaza war, which began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israeli authorities say about 1,200 people were killed in that attack and 251 people were taken hostage. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, claiming its objective was to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities.
According to Gaza health officials cited in recent reporting, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the war. The figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel disputes allegations of genocide and says its military operations are targeted against Hamas, which it claims is operating among civilian populations.
The war has also increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, with Britain, France and Canada taking measures targeting Israeli settlements and networks linked to settler violence in the West Bank. Israel has faced criticism from several governments over its conduct in Gaza, while its leaders continue to argue that Israel is defending itself against Hamas and other armed groups.
Netanyahu’s ability to travel internationally has also been affectedby the ICC arrest warrant. The warrant means that travel to countries that recognize the court’s jurisdiction carry potential legal consequences, though the United States and Israel are not members of the ICC and the Trump administration has opposed the court’s actions against Israeli officials.
The New York visit is expected to attract protests over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the ICC case. Netanyahu’s visit to the UN last year was marked by a walkout by several delegations as he approached the lectern, while supporters in the public gallery applauded him. Israeli officials have once again warned that protests are likely during this year’s visit.
For Netanyahu, Thursday’s UN address will therefore be at the intersection of international diplomacy and domestic politics. He is expected to defend Israel’s military record, highlight security concerns around Iran, confront criticism from Mamdani and other opponents, and present his government’s position on Gaza and regional security.
The speech will also serve to enable Netanyahu to communicate directly with Israeli voters only weeks before they choose a government. With the October 27 election approaching, the absence of a scheduled Trump meeting, continued international criticism over Gaza and public dispute with New York’s mayor have all become part of the political background to his appearance at the United Nations.
The immediate response to the speech will come from diplomats and governments gathered in New York, but its longer-term political significance will also be measured in Israel. With the election campaign entering its final phase, Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN is likely to be seen not only as a statement of Israeli foreign policy but also as part of his broader effort to present his leadership, security record and international relationships to voters.
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