By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 9, 2026) — New York City police officials are raising concerns that Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s public calls for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could significantly complicate security preparations for Netanyahu’s expected visit to New York in September.

Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly and address the gathering on September 26. Because of his status and the security threats surrounding his visit, the NYPD is preparing for an operation comparable to the protection provided to high-profile international leaders.

According to NYPD sources cited by the New York Post, Mamdani’s rhetoric could make an already complex security operation substantially more difficult. One police source compared the situation to turning a routine “Category 1 hurricane” into a “Category 5,” arguing that the mayor’s statements could increase the likelihood of protests, confrontations and potential threats.

Police will be responsible not only for Netanyahu’s immediate protection but also for securing hotels, restaurants, motorcades and other locations he may visit throughout the city. One source estimated that 60 or more officers could ultimately be assigned to his direct and surrounding security detail, although the prime minister’s complete itinerary has not yet been finalized.

Law enforcement officials are particularly concerned about the possibility of an individual attempting to take matters into their own hands, either by targeting Netanyahu or confronting police officers. Officials also fear that large demonstrations could create additional security risks.

The concerns come amid a broader debate over public rhetoric surrounding Israel and antisemitism in New York. A city government source described the current environment as a potential “powder keg” and blamed Mamdani’s statements for contributing to an increasingly tense atmosphere.

During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani repeatedly promised that he would seek to arrest Netanyahu if the Israeli leader entered New York, citing the International Criminal Court’s warrant against him. Mamdani reiterated that position in July, saying Netanyahu “belongs in The Hague” and that he would take whatever action New York law permits.

His administration later acknowledged that the mayor does not have the authority to independently enforce an ICC arrest warrant. Mamdani has nevertheless continued to accuse Netanyahu of genocide and of obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza, while declaring that the Israeli prime minister is “not welcome in New York City.”

With the UN General Assembly approaching, the NYPD now faces the challenge of protecting Netanyahu while simultaneously preparing for potentially large demonstrations and heightened security threats surrounding his visit.