Mamdani says he will not join Netanyahu protests in New York
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he will not join demonstrations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his expected visit for the UN General Assembly, while defending New Yorkers’ right to protest.
Speaking to reporters in Queens, Mamdani said his focus during the UN gathering would be keeping New Yorkers safe and ensuring the city can host world leaders while managing expected traffic disruptions. He also welcomed a planned prayer vigil by Jewish students outside Gracie Mansion, saying they had the right to gather there.
Mamdani has previously criticised Netanyahu over the war in Gaza and explored whether New York could enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him, before acknowledging that the city lacked that authority. The Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has since called for Mamdani’s arrest, while protests are expected in New York as the UN General Assembly opens its 81st session on 22 September.
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