New York (TDI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shortened his visit to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with the Israeli leader expected to address and return to Israel today amid reported security concerns.
Israeli media reported that the decision to avoid an overnight stay followed security assessments presented to Netanyahu by Israeli officials in recent days. Channel 13 reported that the intelligence picture presented during the discussions included specific warnings that prompted security officials to recommend a shorter visit.
Netanyahu departed Israel early Thursday aboard the country’s official aircraft for his UN appearance. Under the revised schedule, Netanyahu is expected to arrive in the New York area ahead of his address to the General Assembly and leave for Israel later the same day.
The brief itinerary comes after other elements of the prime minister’s US trip were dropped, including a reported planned stop in Texas for a meeting with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Netanyahu is also not scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump during the UN gathering. US officials have cited scheduling constraints, while Netanyahu’s presence in New York is expected to centre largely on his UN address.
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Netanyahu’s shortened stay comes amid heightened security measures and planned demonstrations surrounding his appearance at the UN. New York is expected to see protests both supporting and opposing Israel during the General Assembly, with Netanyahu’s government facing criticism over its military campaign in Gaza and its policies concerning the Palestinians.
The visit has also been accompanied by a public dispute between Netanyahu and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani has repeatedly referred to Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and has called for the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister to be honoured.
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Netanyahu has accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas and said he would use his UN appearance to present Israel’s position and challenge what he describes as misinformation about the country and its military.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict. Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction and has denied allegations of genocide and other wrongdoing.
