Benjamin Netanyahu tells Mamdani in video: "to tell the truth about you"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations during a brief New York visit, his first since Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office, and is expected to criticize Mamdani. Ahead of the trip, Netanyahu directed a video message at the mayor. Mamdani, who had pledged to pursue Netanyahu’s arrest over alleged war crimes but later said he lacked authority, has accused Netanyahu of overseeing genocide. Netanyahu rejects war-crimes allegations and also accused Mamdani of backing Hamas, a claim the article characterizes as false. The clash comes as Netanyahu faces an October 27 election that polls suggest could end his tenure, amid international criticism over Gaza and an ICC warrant limiting his travel. Former Israeli ambassador Michael Oren said the UN address may serve as a domestic political appeal.