Social media and some news reports have been discussing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). A viral claim says that Netanyahu mentioned New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, by name and attacked them. A review of available official and credible sources shows that on September 24, 2026, during the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu did directly mention Mamdani and also made allegations concerning his wife Rama Duwaji’s social media activity. However, the word “attack” should be understood here as political and verbal criticism; it was not a physical attack.
What Happened at the UN General Assembly ?
According to the United Nations, the 81st session of the General Assembly is being held in September 2026, with the General Debate taking place from September 22 to 28. During this period, heads of state and government leaders present their countries’ positions on international issues.
As part of this General Debate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026. Netanyahu’s address is also recorded in the official UN record for the General Debate of the 81st session.
In his speech, Netanyahu primarily discussed issues related to Israel’s security, Iran, Gaza, and the wider regional conflict. During the address, he directly referred to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and criticized his statements concerning Israel.
What Did Netanyahu Say About Mamdani ?
Netanyahu accused Mamdani of contributing to what he described as a hostile environment toward Israel and the Jewish community. He also claimed that after Mamdani was elected mayor, many Jewish people in New York felt less safe than before.
This was a political claim made by Netanyahu and should be reported as such; it should not be presented as an independently established fact.
Addressing Mamdani, Netanyahu also criticized his statements regarding Israel and Gaza. He referred to Mamdani’s characterization of Israel’s actions as “genocide” and his efforts concerning Netanyahu’s visit to New York. Netanyahu rejected allegations of genocide against Israel and presented the opposing position in his speech.
It is important to note that Netanyahu’s speech represented his political position, and therefore the allegations he made should not be treated as independent judicial findings.
Why Did Netanyahu Mention Rama Duwaji ?
Netanyahu also mentioned Rama Duwaji, Mamdani’s wife, during his speech. He alleged that Duwaji had “liked” certain social media posts that Netanyahu linked to praise for the October 7, 2023 attacks or to anti-Israel messages.
According to available reports, the reference concerned social media “likes.” Some media reports cited information from Jewish Insider regarding those posts.
However, an important factual distinction is necessary here: liking a social media post is not the same as writing or publishing that post oneself. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to draw definitive conclusions about Rama Duwaji solely on the basis of the reported “likes.”
Netanyahu raised these social media activities in the context of Mamdani’s political position and called for a response. This was part of the allegation and political argument presented in his speech.
What Was Mamdani’s Response ?
Following Netanyahu’s speech, Zohran Mamdani responded, saying that the prime minister had repeated what he described as “baseless lies” in his address.
Mamdani reiterated his previously expressed criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and also referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant concerning Netanyahu.
Here too, it is important to keep the two sides separate. Mamdani’s response was a political statement, whereas the ICC arrest warrant is a separate legal fact.
What Is the ICC Case Related to Netanyahu ?
According to the official website of the International Criminal Court, an arrest warrant was issued against Benjamin Netanyahu on November 21, 2024. The ICC record lists allegations concerning war crimes and crimes against humanity. These include allegations relating to starvation as a method of warfare and intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population.
A very important distinction must be understood here: an ICC arrest warrant is not a final conviction. The ICC’s official record presents these matters as allegations.
Therefore, saying that “the ICC convicted Netanyahu of war crimes” would be factually incorrect. The accurate wording is that the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu in connection with allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Did UN Delegates Walk Out During Netanyahu’s Speech ?
Yes. According to several media reports and accounts of the proceedings, representatives from a number of countries left the hall during Netanyahu’s address.
Reports mentioned representatives from Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian delegation, and others leaving the chamber. At the same time, reports also said that representatives from the United States and Israel applauded during parts of the speech.
However, it would not be appropriate to conclude from this that all countries or all UN member states had the same reaction to Netanyahu’s speech. Different delegations have their own political and diplomatic positions.
The Broader UN Context on Gaza
In his opening address to the General Debate on September 22, 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about the situation in the Middle East and emphasized humanitarian assistance, international law, and the protection of civilians in Gaza.
He also referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its legally binding provisional measures concerning the Gaza case, emphasizing the need for all parties to comply with international law and the court’s orders.
Therefore, Netanyahu’s speech should not be viewed solely through the dispute involving Mamdani. His address was broader and largely focused on presenting Israel’s position on security and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
How Should the Viral Photograph and Report Be Understood ?
The screenshot provided shows Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji. According to the caption in the screenshot, the photograph relates to an event held in New York on June 18, 2026.
The photograph itself is not a photograph of Netanyahu’s September 24 UN speech. Therefore, using this image as though it depicts the events surrounding Netanyahu’s September 24 speech could be misleading.
The main event is separate: on September 24, 2026, during his address to the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu mentioned Mamdani by name, criticized him, and also referred to social media activity involving Rama Duwaji.
How Accurate Is the Claim ?
When the available official and credible sources are considered together, the core claim behind the viral report is accurate, but its wording needs to be understood carefully.
The established fact is that on September 24, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly and also referred to social media activity associated with his wife, Rama Duwaji. Mamdani subsequently responded to Netanyahu’s allegations.
However, it would be incorrect to interpret this as “Netanyahu physically attacked Mamdani” or as any kind of violent incident. Here, the term “attack” refers to political or verbal criticism.
Similarly, political allegations made by Netanyahu or Mamdani should not be presented as final judicial facts.
The ICC-related fact is separate and official: an arrest warrant was issued against Netanyahu on November 21, 2024, concerning allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity; this was not a final conviction.
The most accurate way to describe the entire episode is:
“A sharp political confrontation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the UN General Assembly, during which Netanyahu also mentioned Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji.”
The key distinction is between verified events, political allegations, and legal findings. Netanyahu’s remarks about Mamdani and Duwaji were part of his political speech, while the ICC arrest warrant is a separate legal proceeding and should not be confused with a final judicial conviction.
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