Netanyahu Seeks Election Propaganda at UN, but Trump Gives Him the Cold Shoulder

NEW YORK, Sept 24: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday as he heads into a closely watched election campaign, but his brief New York visit does not include a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu’s speech comes just over a month before Israel’s Oct. 27 election, with recent polling showing his political bloc still short of the 61 seats required to form a government.

According to an analysis by The Times of Israel diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman, Netanyahu’s office had sought a meeting with Trump, but no such meeting was arranged. Trump met New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his visit to the city this week, while he has not explicitly endorsed Netanyahu for another term.

Netanyahu’s unusually short visit is centered almost entirely on his UN address. The Israeli prime minister is expected to arrive in New York, address the General Assembly and return to Israel the same day. His office said he is scheduled to meet several foreign leaders, but no meetings with US officials are listed.

The UN speech is expected to focus heavily on Iran, including Israel’s assessment of Tehran’s efforts to rebuild its nuclear and missile capabilities. Israeli officials have said Netanyahu will present information and visual material concerning Iran, while he is also expected to address the Gaza war, Lebanon and international criticism of Israel.

The Times of Israel analysis said the speech could provide Netanyahu with an opportunity to present his record on security to Israeli voters. It said he is expected to highlight Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon and portray the outcome of the conflict with Iran as a success, while facing questions at home over the results of those campaigns.

The analysis also pointed to domestic challenges facing Netanyahu, including criticism over the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, his position on establishing a state commission of inquiry, and disputes over military service for the ultra-Orthodox community.

Netanyahu has also faced growing international criticism over Israel’s conduct in Gaza. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and accused him of genocide against Palestinians. Netanyahu has rejected such criticism and said he intends to defend Israel’s actions during his UN address.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel rejects the allegations and disputes the court’s jurisdiction.

Protests are expected in New York during Netanyahu’s visit, adding to the heightened security surrounding the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, the absence of a Trump-Netanyahu meeting comes as Washington continues diplomatic contacts concerning Iran. Recent reporting says the Trump administration has kept a diplomatic channel with Tehran open while Netanyahu is expected to use his UN address to press Israel’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities.