Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of "sowing chaos" ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled visit to the U.N. General Assembly later this month. Danon's remarks came after Mamdani encouraged New Yorkers in July to protest Netanyahu's arrival for the general debate at U.N. headquarters on September 24.
"Instead of actually welcoming all world leaders and making sure that the city will function properly, he is doing exactly the opposite," Danon stated in an interview with Fox News Digital. "He is inciting, he is sowing chaos into the city. So this year, unfortunately, it will be harder for every New Yorker or every visitor because the mayor is actually calling for people to go out, to demonstrate."
Danon asserted that the protests would not deter the Prime Minister's visit. "The prime minister will come, will speak and will represent our nation," he added.
Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding any plans to meet with Netanyahu. Danon expressed his belief that the Prime Minister would not seek a meeting, stating, "I don't think the Prime Minister wants to meet with him."
This exchange follows previous critical statements by Mamdani regarding Netanyahu. The New York City mayor has referred to the Israeli Prime Minister as a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people." Despite promising during his mayoral campaign to have Netanyahu arrested, Mamdani acknowledged he could not do so.
In July, when asked about potential actions for those frustrated with Netanyahu's visit, Mamdani emphasized the role of protest in New York City. "One of the bedrocks of our city is protest," he said during a press conference on July 22. "It is something that has been a part of what makes our city so special, that New Yorkers can express themselves whether they are in support or in opposition no matter on whatever topic."
He further commented, "And I’ve always said that when we respect our Constitution, we also respect our First Amendment. And here in New York City it will always be a place where you can exercise that."
Netanyahu, speaking on "Hannity" about a week after Mamdani's comments, stated his intention to visit New York and "speak the truth in front of this hate-spewing elected official who's pitting one group of New Yorkers against the others."
Danon also touched upon the ongoing situation in Gaza, stating that Israel has to "finish the job." He indicated that if Hamas does not disarm according to a presidential plan, Israel might have to take further action. "We cannot leave a terrorist organization in Gaza. There will be no future for the people of Gaza or for us if Hamas will stay in power," Danon said.
The ambassador also defended Israel's actions on the international stage, asserting that Israel's fight against entities like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran has been in defense of Western societies and democracies. "That's why we feel proud on what we achieved this year," he concluded.