Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went to New York to attend the 81st meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. Israeli media reported that following the warnings of security officials, Netanyahu's program in the USA was limited to a few hours and that he would return to Israel on the same day after his speech.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced details about Netanyahu's New York program. Netanyahu was scheduled to leave Nevatim Air Force Base and land at a military airport in New Jersey.
According to Yediot Ahronot newspaper, Netanyahu will be the penultimate speaker of the morning session of the UN General Assembly. Netanyahu is expected to take the UN podium around 21:00 and speak for about 40 minutes.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu would return to Israel after his speech without spending the night in the USA.
Channel 13 reported that security officials recommended not extending Netanyahu's stay in the United States following talks in recent days. It was stated that Netanyahu also participated in some meetings.
It was reported that the "intelligence table" presented during the talks included some warnings that led to the proposal to shorten the visit. However, the details of these warnings were not disclosed.
Maariv newspaper wrote that keeping the visit short was due to security concerns as well as the pro-Palestinian protests expected to be held in New York.
The Times of Israel also reported that pro-Palestinian groups as well as anti-Zionist Jewish groups will protest Netanyahu.
Extensive security measures are being implemented in New York due to the UN General Assembly. The NYPD, the U.S. Secret Service and other federal security agencies are implementing a broad security plan around the UN.
According to the plan announced by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, thousands of police officers will be on duty around the UN Headquarters. Bomb disposal teams, special operations units, sea and air teams and counter-terrorism units will also take part in the region.
NYPD announced that an increase in protests is expected in the city during the UN General Assembly. Authorities stated that necessary security measures will be taken to ensure that the demonstrations are held peacefully.
Netanyahu's statement before leaving Israel attracted attention.
Netanyahu said, "You hear terrible lies, I will fight for the truth. There will be surprises." he said.
The Israeli press reported that Netanyahu was expected to encounter a tense atmosphere at the UN General Assembly and reminded that representatives of many countries left the hall when Netanyahu took the podium during his speech last year.
Netanyahu is expected to meet with many country leaders during his visit to New York. According to the program, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama and Ethiopia, the Vice President of Colombia and the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia and Papua New Guinea.
According to information in the Israeli press, Netanyahu is not planned to meet with US President Donald Trump or Foreign Minister Marco Rubio.
The tension between New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Netanyahu also came to the fore before the visit.
Mamdani said that the New York administration does not have independent legal authority to implement the arrest decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) if Netanyahu comes to New York for the UN General Assembly meetings, but the federal government should take this step.
Describing Netanyahu as the "architect of genocide", Mamdani said, "I think Netanyahu's place is in The Hague. He is a war criminal accused by the ICC." he said.
Netanyahu responded to Mamdani with a video message published on social media.
"Mamdani, I am coming to the UN to expose you," said Netanyahu, accusing Mamdani, who he claimed supported Hamas, of provoking riots and chaos against Jews in New York.
Netanyahu: "I am coming to the UN. I will tell the truth about you." he said.
France was also on the agenda before Netanyahu's trip to New York. The Paris administration allowed the plane carrying the Israeli Prime Minister to use French airspace on its way to the USA.
According to reports based on a diplomatic source, this was the fifth permit for Netanyahu's plane to use French airspace. Similar permission was previously given three times in 2025 and once in 2026.
Reacting to the decision, European Parliament member Emma Fourreau said on her account
