Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly on September 24, defending his country's military actions in the Middle East. His appearance at the United Nations came while an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes remains in effect.
The ICC warrant does not prevent Netanyahu from traveling to or speaking at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The UN headquarters is considered international territory, and the ICC's jurisdiction can be limited in such contexts. Furthermore, the United States, while a signatory to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, has a status agreement with the court that can complicate enforcement actions against U.S. nationals and those visiting the U.S. or UN premises.
Netanyahu's speech focused on Israel's ongoing military campaigns, including those in Gaza and other regional areas. The ICC issued the arrest warrant against Netanyahu, along with charges against Hamas leaders, in May 2026, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. The warrant remains active.