Netanyahu Defends UN Visit Amid NYC Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his intention to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Despite New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s calls for his arrest, Netanyahu remains firm in his plans.

In an interview with ‘Hannity,’ Netanyahu stated, “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. He’s turning them against New York Jews.” His comments highlight the tensions surrounding his visit.

Netanyahu’s Response to Mamdani

Mamdani has been a vocal critic, accusing Netanyahu of war crimes and genocide concerning military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Although Mamdani recognizes that local officials lack authority to arrest Netanyahu under the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) warrant, he urges federal officials to take action.

Netanyahu retaliates by accusing Mamdani of spreading hatred and attempting to turn New Yorkers against the Jewish community. “What are we in the 1930s? What is this? So much hate, so many lies,” Netanyahu expressed his dismay at the situation.

Trump and de Blasio Enter the Debate

Former President Trump criticized ongoing Israeli military actions in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, noting that “too many people are being killed.” New York City’s former Mayor Bill de Blasio joined Mamdani’s calls to arrest Netanyahu.

ICC and Questions of War Crimes

Netanyahu vehemently criticizes the ICC, calling it a “corrupt, evil organization” for labeling him as a war criminal while allegedly ignoring other groups like Hezbollah.

He warned that the ICC’s actions could extend to classifying U.S. leaders and servicemembers as war criminals, pointing out the shared military efforts between the U.S. and Israel.

Netanyahu recounted a positive meeting with President Trump, describing it as “one of the best meetings” he has had. He emphasized the strong U.S.-Israel alliance, comparing it to a “wall of granite.”

Netanyahu stressed the mutual goal of preventing a nuclear-armed Tehran, indicating diplomatic or alternative measures may be pursued.

For more of Netanyahu’s perspectives, tune into the ‘Hang Out with Sean Hannity’ episode, available Thursday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.

Nora Moriarty contributed to this article for Fox News Digital.