NYC Mayor Mamdani Clarifies Stance on Protests Ahead of Netanyahu's UN Visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated Wednesday that he does not plan to attend protests during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani also denied having encouraged New Yorkers to protest the Israeli leader, a clarification coming months after he had previously stated that New Yorkers had the right to protest Netanyahu’s visit.

"I do not have any plans to attend any protest at the UNGA," Mamdani said. "To New Yorkers I have never encouraged them to protest. What I have always told them is that they have the right to do so in this city."

Mamdani and Netanyahu have had public disagreements since July, when Mamdani announced his administration would review applicable law to determine if the city could enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu. At the time, the mayor described protest as "one of the bedrocks of our city" and stated New Yorkers had the right to express themselves.

"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," Mamdani added.

Mamdani has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing the country of genocide and expressing support for pro-Palestinian causes. He notably skipped New York City’s annual Israel Day Parade on May 31, marking the first time in decades a mayor missed the event. Previously, Mamdani had referred to Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people."

Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump and attend the UN General Assembly in New York City. He has previously responded to Mamdani’s calls for his arrest, asserting plans to visit the United States.