Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told supporters on Tuesday that he will take the United Nations podium this Thursday to set the record straight about Israel’s military actions against Hamas. In a brief video statement, Netanyahu said he will speak about the bravery of Israel’s soldiers and directly address New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently called the Israeli leader a “war criminal” on CNN.
Mayor’s remarks spark heated response
Mayor Mamdani, an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, labeled Netanyahu an architect of a “horrific genocide” of the Palestinian people. He also suggested he would arrest the Israeli premier if he had the authority – a claim the mayor later admitted was beyond his legal power.
Netanyahu fired back, saying, “Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani, for supporting the Hamas terrorist monsters who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews.” The prime minister’s spokesman, Doron Spielman, added that Netanyahu has spoken at the United Nations more than any other world leader and will use the platform to confront what he calls a false narrative about Israel.
Context of the conflict
The latest round of fighting began after Hamas launched a deadly raid on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 Israelis and kidnapping 251. Israel responded with a combined air and ground campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. Gaza health officials report that more than 73,000 Palestinians have died, a toll that includes both combatants and civilians.
Israel denies accusations of genocide, insisting its operations target Hamas militants who hide among civilians. The administration emphasizes that the goal is to protect Israeli citizens and restore security to the region.
Political fallout in the United States
Some Republican lawmakers have labeled Mayor Mamdani’s statements as antisemitic, arguing that criticism of Israel’s legitimate self‑defense is being conflated with hatred toward Jews. Mamdani, however, has publicly condemned antisemitism and maintains that his criticism of Israeli policy is not rooted in prejudice.
In Washington, the Trump administration has repeatedly affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. President Trump’s spokesperson noted that the United States stands with Israel’s fight against terrorism and praised Netanyahu’s resolve to speak the truth on the world stage.
What to watch for at the UN
Netanyahu’s upcoming address is expected to focus on three key points: the heroism of Israel’s armed forces, the threat posed by Hamas terrorist monsters, and a rebuttal to the narrative that Israel is committing genocide. Analysts say the speech could influence international opinion and shape future diplomatic discussions on aid, reconstruction, and security guarantees for Israel.
Regardless of the political theater, the core issue remains the safety of Israeli families and the need to eliminate a group that has repeatedly targeted civilians. As the United Nations prepares for the General Assembly, the world will be watching how Israel’s leader frames the conflict and whether the international community will acknowledge the reality of Hamas’s terror tactics.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
