Israeli Ambassador Criticizes NYC Mayor’s Protest Call Ahead of Netanyahu’s UN Visit

The Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, expressed concern over New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s call for protests during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to the U.N. General Assembly. Danon criticized Mamdani, stating that the mayor is inciting chaos in the city instead of welcoming world leaders and ensuring the city functions smoothly.

Danon remarked, “He is inciting, he is sowing chaos into the city. So this year, unfortunately, it will be harder for every New Yorker or every visitor because the mayor is actually calling for people to go out, to demonstrate and it will not deter us. The prime minister will come, will speak and will represent our nation.”

Mamdani had earlier urged New Yorkers to protest Netanyahu’s appearance at the U.N. on September 24. Despite Mamdani’s lack of immediate response when asked about plans to meet with Netanyahu, Danon asserted, “I don’t think the prime minister wants to meet with him.”

Previously, Mamdani had labeled Netanyahu a “war criminal” and criticized his actions regarding the Palestinian people. During Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, he vowed to have Netanyahu arrested, though he acknowledged the impracticality of this promise.

When questioned in July about what frustrated New Yorkers should do upon Netanyahu’s arrival, Mamdani emphasized the importance of protest, a key component of New York City’s identity. “One of the bedrocks of our city is protest,” Mamdani stated, advocating for the expression of opinions, whether supportive or oppositional.

I’m going to New York, and I’m going to speak the truth in front of this hate-spewing elected official who’s pitting one group of New Yorkers against the others.

Netanyahu expressed his intent to visit New York City and address the opposition during his stay. Danon mentioned the prime minister’s plan to discuss both challenges faced by Israel and future opportunities. Danon also highlighted ongoing issues with Hamas in Gaza, emphasizing Israel’s need to address the presence of the terrorist organization.

Danon stressed Israel’s wider battle against threats from groups like Hamas and Iran, framing these efforts as part of a larger fight for Western democracies. “We fought for the Western societies, for the Western democracies,” he said, expressing pride in Israel’s achievements this year.