Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to criticize New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Britain and France in his UN address Thursday amid a difficult reelection campaign. Iran and criticism of the UN are also expected; Israelis vote October 27.
Mamdani had vowed to enforce an ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu during his New York visit, but later acknowledged he lacked authority to do so. The ICC said in 2024 it had reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for alleged war crimes in Gaza; he denies the claims. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas and baselessly accused him of inciting riots against New York Jews; Mamdani called his statements untrue.
Britain and France have imposed limited sanctions on Israeli exports from the occupied West Bank. Israel and the United States have been at war with Iran since launching attacks in February; Israel wants Washington to take more comprehensive military action to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes and restrictions on equipment that international groups say is needed for reconstruction have continued despite an October 2025 U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The UN Palestinian refugees agency's acting chief, Christian Saunders, told AFP Israel was being “extremely difficult” about letting in relief supplies while permitting luxury commercial goods.
