Netanyahu Vows to Attend UN Assembly in New York Despite ICC Arrest Warrant

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that he will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September despite facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

Speaking in a televised interview broadcast on Sunday, Netanyahu said he intended to use the global platform to present Israel’s position and strengthen relations between Israel and the United States.

His statement came amid renewed controversy over whether he could face legal action upon entering the United States.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had previously described Netanyahu as a war criminal and said the Israeli leader should be detained if he entered the country because of the ICC warrant.

However, Mamdani later acknowledged that the New York City administration does not possess independent legal authority to enforce an ICC arrest warrant. He instead urged the United States federal government to take action should Netanyahu visit the country.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant on November 21, 2024.

The court said there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu bore responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the conflict in Gaza, including the alleged use of starvation as a method of warfare.

Israel has rejected the allegations and does not recognise the ICC’s jurisdiction over the matter.

Netanyahu also criticised Mamdani during the interview, accusing the left-wing politician of dividing communities in New York through his positions on Israel and Palestine.

The dispute reflects the increasingly polarised debate in the United States over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Palestinian rights and Washington’s continued political support for the Israeli government.

Public opinion surveys cited in the report suggest that American attitudes towards Netanyahu are becoming increasingly negative.

An Associated Press-NORC poll reportedly found that Mamdani had a higher approval rating among Jewish Americans than Netanyahu. A separate YouGov survey showed that 46 per cent of Americans believed Netanyahu should be arrested, while 28 per cent opposed such action.

Netanyahu’s expected appearance in New York is likely to attract significant international attention, public demonstrations and renewed discussion about the legal responsibilities of countries dealing with individuals wanted by the ICC.

The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court, meaning it is not generally bound by the same treaty obligations as ICC member states to execute the court’s arrest warrants.

The issue remains politically sensitive because New York hosts the United Nations headquarters and regularly receives world leaders, including representatives from governments facing international criticism or legal disputes.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to open in New York on September 8, 2026, while the general debate involving world leaders is expected to begin on September 22.