Netanyahu to leave New York the same day after UN speech amid security concerns

New York: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shortened his visit to the United States for his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Following strict warnings from security agencies, his stay in New York has been reduced to just a few hours, with no overnight stay planned.

Israel’s Channel 13 reported that the decision to shorten the visit was taken after discussions with senior security officials in recent days. Netanyahu also participated in the discussions. Based on security threats and intelligence information, Israel’s security agencies recommended reducing the duration of his visit.

According to the revised plan, Netanyahu will leave Israel on Wednesday night and arrive in New York on Thursday morning. He will then address the 81st session of the UN General Assembly before returning to Israel on the same day.

Netanyahu is also not scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump. Israel had earlier made efforts to arrange a meeting between the two leaders, but the talks did not materialise.

Large protests against Netanyahu are expected in New York over the ongoing war in Gaza and alleged human rights violations in the West Bank. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has also described Netanyahu as a war criminal and an architect of genocide. He has called on US federal authorities to enforce the arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the Gaza war.