Netanyahu changes New York plans over Mamdani, teases UN ‘surprises’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a brief visit to the United States on Wednesday to address the UN General Assembly, arriving Thursday morning and departing the same evening without an overnight stay. This unprecedentedly short visit and the decision to land in New Jersey instead of JFK Airport are due to coordination difficulties and concerns about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani potentially ordering the Wing of Zion to leave. Officials also believe the shortened visit is to avoid protests. Netanyahu has canceled a planned stop in Texas to meet Elon Musk, citing “coordination challenges.” He will not meet President Trump but may meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His speech, aimed at the Israeli public, will focus on the Iranian threat and is expected to include “surprises,” with the Israeli delegation preparing for potential disruptions.