Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon accuses NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani of sowing chaos as Netanyahu prepares to address the UN General Assembly.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations is accusing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “sowing chaos” ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned appearance at the United Nations General Assembly later this month.
Ambassador Danny Danon made the comments in an interview with Fox News Digital as tensions grow over Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to New York.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 24. Mamdani previously called on New Yorkers to protest when the Israeli prime minister arrives in the city.
Israeli ambassador accuses Mamdani of inciting protests
Danon said Mamdani should be focused on ensuring New York can safely host world leaders rather than encouraging demonstrations against Netanyahu.
“No one can ignore Mayor Mamdani,” Danon said, accusing the mayor of doing the opposite of welcoming international leaders.
The Israeli envoy argued that Mamdani’s calls for demonstrations will make it more difficult for New Yorkers and visitors during the U.N. gathering.
Danon nevertheless insisted that the protests would not stop Netanyahu from appearing at the U.N.
“The prime minister will come, will speak and will represent our nation,” he said.
Mamdani defends right to protest
Mamdani has defended demonstrations against Netanyahu as an exercise of First Amendment rights.
During a July press conference, the mayor said protest has long been part of New York City and argued that residents should be able to express support or opposition on political issues.
Mamdani has also sharply criticized Netanyahu, previously referring to him as a “war criminal” and accusing him of responsibility for alleged abuses against Palestinians.
The mayor acknowledged that he does not have the authority to arrest Netanyahu despite earlier campaign rhetoric about enforcing an International Criminal Court warrant.
Netanyahu refuses to back down
Netanyahu has repeatedly made clear that he intends to travel to New York despite Mamdani’s opposition.
In July, Netanyahu said he planned to attend the U.N. General Assembly and deliver his message from the international organization’s podium. He later told Fox News that he was going to New York despite Mamdani’s criticism.
The planned visit is expected to generate significant demonstrations, with supporters and opponents of Israel preparing for Netanyahu’s arrival.
Danon said he does not expect Netanyahu to meet with Mamdani during the visit.
U.N. appearance comes amid tensions
Netanyahu’s planned U.N. appearance comes as Israel faces intense international criticism over its military campaign in Gaza and broader disputes surrounding the war.
Danon told Fox News that Israel believes it has opportunities ahead despite the difficult conflict and said Netanyahu would discuss both Israel’s achievements and its future prospects.
He also said Israel remains determined to prevent Hamas from retaining power in Gaza, arguing that the militant group must disarm.
The ambassador’s comments underscore the deep political divide surrounding Netanyahu’s visit, with Israeli officials determined to proceed while Mamdani and his supporters prepare for demonstrations.
With Netanyahu’s Sept. 24 address approaching, New York is bracing for a high-profile clash over Israel, Gaza, international law and the right to protest—putting the city and its mayor at the center of an increasingly contentious political moment.
