Israel's UN Ambassador Slams NYC Mayor Mamdani for 'Sowing Chaos' Ahead of Netanyahu Visit

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations is firing back at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing the Democratic socialist of inciting chaos in the city ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly later this month.

Ambassador Danny Danon told Fox News Digital that Mamdani is making New York harder to run for everyone by calling on residents to protest Netanyahu's arrival. The prime minister is scheduled to speak at the general debate at UN headquarters on Sept. 24.

Ambassador: Mayor Is Inciting Instead of Leading

Danon did not mince words when describing Mamdani's role in the run-up to the UN visit. He said the mayor should be welcoming world leaders and keeping the city functioning, not urging New Yorkers into the streets.

"No one can ignore Mayor Mamdani," Danon said. "Instead of actually welcoming all world leaders and making sure that the city will function properly, he is doing exactly the opposite. He is inciting, he is sowing chaos into the city."

The ambassador warned the mayor's approach will make this year's UN gathering harder for every New Yorker and visitor. But he made one thing clear: the protests will not change Israel's plans.

"The prime minister will come, will speak and will represent our nation," Danon said.

Mamdani's Long Campaign Against Netanyahu

The clash is the latest chapter in Mamdani's running feud with the Israeli leader. During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani promised to have Netanyahu arrested if he set foot in New York, pointing to an International Criminal Court warrant.

He has called Netanyahu a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people." In July, he urged New Yorkers to take to the streets when the prime minister arrives, saying protest is "one of the bedrocks of our city."

Mamdani has since acknowledged that city officials lack the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu, walking back his campaign pledge. He now urges federal officials to enforce the ICC warrant instead. His office did not respond when asked whether he planned to meet with Netanyahu during the visit.

Danon made clear such a meeting is not on the table. "I don't think the prime minister wants to meet with him," he said.

Netanyahu Vows to Speak Despite Threats

Netanyahu has already signaled he has no intention of staying away. In an interview following his White House meeting with President Donald Trump, he said he is going to New York to speak the truth in front of what he called a "hate-spewing elected official."

The prime minister accused Mamdani of pitting one group of New Yorkers against another and turning the city against its Jewish population. He dismissed the ICC warrant as a product of a "corrupt, evil organization" and warned that the same court could one day target American soldiers or even the president of the United States.

Netanyahu described his White House meeting with Trump as one of the best he has ever had with an American president, calling the U.S.-Israel alliance a "wall of granite" despite the critics trying to find cracks in it.

Danon also stressed Israel's resolve on Gaza, saying Hamas must disarm under the president's plan and that Israel will finish the job itself if the terrorist group remains in power.

Showdown Set for Late September

All signs now point to a high-stakes showdown in New York later this month. Mamdani has encouraged protests, and his administration has signaled the NYPD will respond to whatever demonstrations materialize around the UN General Assembly.

Danon said Israel walks proud at the UN because its fight against Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas was not only its own battle but a fight for Western societies and democracies. The prime minister is expected to make that case directly to the world body on Sept. 24.

The question now is how the city handles the moment. Netanyahu is coming, the protests are coming, and New York's mayor has made clear which side he is on.