Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a short video message ahead of his planned departure for the United States, where he will deliver his annual address tomorrow at the UN General Assembly in New York.
In the brief video, filmed in his office, the prime minister addressed the Israeli public directly, outlining the central purpose of his diplomatic trip against the backdrop of recent incitement and antisemitism directed at Israel from the UN podium.
"I'm leaving tonight for New York to defend the State of Israel and IDF soldiers from the UN stage," Netanyahu said. "You hear the terrible things being spread there, and in other places around the world. I will fight against the lies. I will fight for the truth of our soldiers, of our state. Yes, and there will also be surprises."
Netanyahu's visit to New York is expected to be unusually brief this time. He will arrive tomorrow for a visit lasting only a few hours, centered on his General Assembly address. Unlike previous visits that included a series of policy meetings, the current schedule does not currently include significant meetings.
The Prime Minister's Office explains the short visit duration is due to security considerations and concerns about potential harm to him, alongside extraordinary involvement by the U.S. Secret Service.
The expected speech will focus on Iran and its efforts to rebuild its nuclear program and missile capabilities, on which Netanyahu is expected to reveal new information, as well as extensive reference to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
