Netanyahu Shortens New York Visit Following Security Warning

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shortened his visit to New York to just a few hours after receiving security warnings, according to Israeli media reports cited by Türkiye's Anadolu Agency.

Netanyahu is expected to leave New York on the same day after delivering his address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and attending a limited number of official engagements.

Israeli broadcaster Channel 13 reported that security officials advised the prime minister against extending his stay in the United States. The recommendation was based on intelligence assessments presented during security consultations, which reportedly included specific warnings. However, no further details about the nature of the threats were disclosed.

Netanyahu departed Israel late Wednesday local time and arrived in the United States on Thursday morning. Following his address at the UN General Assembly, he is scheduled to return to Israel later the same day without an overnight stay.

His visit comes amid expectations of large-scale protests in New York against Israel's military campaign in Gaza and alleged human rights violations in the occupied West Bank.

The visit also follows recent remarks by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who publicly described Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and accused him of being responsible for what he called the "genocide of Palestinians."

Mamdani had earlier called on U.S. federal authorities to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu, while acknowledging that New York City authorities do not have the legal jurisdiction to execute such a warrant.

In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Gaza. Israel rejects the ICC's jurisdiction in the matter and has denied allegations of war crimes.