Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani following the mayor's call for residents to demonstrate against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his expected visit to the UN General Assembly later this month.
Speaking to Fox News, Danon accused Mamdani of failing in his basic mayoral duties. "Instead of welcoming world leaders and ensuring the city functions properly, he's doing exactly the opposite," the ambassador said. "He's inciting, he's sowing chaos in the city." Danon made clear that such calls for protests would not deter the Israeli delegation: "This won't intimidate us. The Prime Minister will come, will speak, and will represent our nation."
Mamdani had issued his call to action back in July, urging New Yorkers opposed to Netanyahu to exercise their right to protest during the visit. "Protest is one of the foundations of our city," the mayor said at the time, emphasizing that New York would continue to be a place where freedom of expression can be exercised.
When asked whether Netanyahu planned to meet with Mamdani during the visit, Danon responded bluntly: "I don't think the Prime Minister wants to meet with him." Netanyahu himself has previously stated his intention to travel to New York despite the confrontation with the mayor, saying: "I'm going to New York. I'm going to speak the truth in front of this elected official who spreads hatred and incites one group of New Yorkers against another."
According to Danon, Netanyahu's UN address will also highlight Israel's achievements in the ongoing war and the opportunities ahead. "We can be very proud of our accomplishments," the ambassador said, adding that Israel is fighting Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas "not only for ourselves, but for Western societies and democracies."
