Israeli envoy Danny Danon calls for Mamdani’s arrest ahead of Netanyahu’s visit to New York | Today’s news
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has called for the arrest of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, escalating the ongoing clash between them over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly next week.
Speaking to reporters at the United Nations on Thursday, Danon accused Mamdani of inciting and collaborating with an enemy of the United States. His remarks came days before Netanyahu is expected to address the UN General Assembly.
Danon calls for Mamdani’s arrest
Responding to Mamdani’s earlier comments about Netanyahu’s possible arrest, Danon said the New York mayor should face arrest himself.
“If anyone should be arrested, it’s Mayor Mamdani for inciting, for actually collaborating with an enemy of the United States,” Danon said, according to C-SPAN footage.
Danon pointed to efforts by Mamdani’s international affairs commissioner, Ana Maria Archilo, to arrange a meeting with Iran’s UN ambassador in July.
“He is sending these officials to meet with the Iranian ambassador here at the United Nations,” Danon said.
The Israeli ambassador also urged Mamdani to focus on keeping New York safe and functioning during the UN assembly.
“I hope he realizes that he has a responsibility, not to call people to demonstrate, but to take care of the city and make sure that next week is a calm and functioning week for the thousands of people who will come from all over the world,” Danon said.
Danon accuses Mamdani of ‘inciting’ the protests
Danon also accused the mayor of creating what he described as anti-Semitic chaos ahead of Netanyahu’s visit.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu will proudly address the General Assembly. He will do so despite the threats, incitement and anti-Semitic rhetoric we have heard from the mayor of New York City,” Danon said, according to footage from the news conference.
“The mayor is supposed to make sure we have a quiet week with less traffic and problems – but he’s doing the exact opposite. He’s inciting, encouraging people to demonstrate against our prime minister, but none of that will stop us,” he added.
Danon’s comments echo remarks he made earlier this year accusing Mamdani of incitement against Israel.
Mamdani says he will not attend Netanyahu’s protests
Mamdani, meanwhile, said on Wednesday that he did not plan to participate in anti-Netanyahu protests during the Israeli leader’s visit.
“I have no plans to participate in any protest at the UN General Assembly,” Mamdani told a news conference.
He also rejected the suggestion that he encouraged New Yorkers to protest against Netanyahu.
“I have never encouraged New Yorkers to protest. I have always told them that they have a right to do so in this city,” Mamdani said. “We respect that right, and this is a Constitution-proud, First Amendment-proud city, we’re going to continue to do that.”
Mamdani said he would focus on public safety during the UN General Assembly and ensuring the city can accommodate the influx of world leaders and visitors.
“My goal is to ensure that our city continues to be ready to host representatives from around the world to keep New Yorkers safe,” he said.
Mamdani and Netanyahu clashed over the arrest
The feud between Mamdani and Netanyahu intensified in July when the mayor said he had asked his administration to explore whether New York City could enforce an International Criminal Court warrant for Netanyahu.
Mamdani subsequently acknowledged that the city alone did not have the authority to arrest the Israeli prime minister and called on federal authorities to execute the warrant.
In late July, Mamdani also said protests were a fundamental right in New York and left it up to residents to decide whether to demonstrate during Netanyahu’s visit.
But he stressed on Wednesday that he would not personally take part in the protests, saying it was his responsibility during the UN General Assembly to keep the city safe and functioning.
Netanyahu is set to address the UN General Assembly
Netanyahu is expected in New York next week for the annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations. 81. The UN General Assembly is set to begin its high-level debate next week, with Netanyahu among leaders expected to address the gathering.
The visit is likely to spark demonstrations by groups opposed to Israeli policies, while pro-Israel groups are planning events in New York during the UN assembly. Mamdani said the city is preparing for the security and logistical challenges surrounding the event.
Read also | ‘Trump, Xi too consumed to save world from AI’: Experts weigh in
