Benjamin Netanyahu

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said defending Israel internationally would be "a lot easier" if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loses Israel's election, arguing his handling of the Gaza war has hurt the country's standing and blocked any path to Palestinian statehood. A longtime Israel ally who visited shortly after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, Hochul has faced criticism from some Jewish New Yorkers over her ties to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, an Israel critic. She also suggested Netanyahu's continued rule could complicate a Jewish Democrat's 2028 presidential prospects. Netanyahu faces a tough reelection fight against Gadi Eisenkot amid record turnout, though rivals also oppose Palestinian statehood.

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has repeated his assertion that Israel is "not actually our friend," making the case in interviews with ABC News and MS NOW ahead of his final debate against Republican Mike Rogers. El-Sayed argues Israel has lobbied the U.S. into conflicts, including pushing for action against Iran, and accused the Israeli military of war crimes. He has also faced criticism for deflecting questions about alleged family ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and past appearances with controversial streamer Hasan Piker. At the debate in Detroit, El-Sayed also opposed the SAVE America Act's voter ID and citizenship-proof requirements, calling them voter suppression, while Rogers defended the measure as reasonable. The race remains competitive ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

A Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter at Stuyvesant High School, one of New York City's most selective public schools, is drawing criticism after co-signing an Instagram post declaring "Intifada Until Victory!" alongside YDSA chapters at Hunter College, the New School, City College and Lehman College. The Oct. 8 post accused the NYC Democratic Socialists of America of silencing pro-Palestinian student activists and criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani for retaining NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, calling her a "Zionist billionaire."

United Jewish Teachers president Moshe Spern demanded the post's removal and a public apology, citing Title VI protections and calling for a review of the club's charter. School officials have not responded. NYC-DSA defended the student groups' right to organize, calling criticism "red scare tactics." The incident reflects ongoing tension over Mamdani's handling of Israel-related issues since the war began in 2023.

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, is facing skepticism from within his own party ahead of a closely contested race against Republican Mike Rogers. Focus groups convened by MS NOW this week revealed friction on two fronts: Black voters who said El-Sayed has taken their support for granted and expressed interest in marking "uncommitted" rather than backing him, and Jewish Democrats who want a clear statement affirming his support for Israel.

El-Sayed has previously made pointed remarks on the topic, telling CNN the Israeli government's response to the October 7 attack was "evil," calling Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal, and describing Israel as an "illegal apartheid regime" in other interviews. Participants in the Jewish focus group voiced doubt that any reassurance from him now would be credible. Commentators suggested Black voters may be more persuadable, citing a potential campaign appearance by former President Barack Obama as a possible factor. The dynamics underscore a broader national trend of some Jewish Democratic voters reconsidering party loyalty over Israel-related concerns, with implications for a race seen as competitive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New York to address the United Nations, pledging to defend Israel against what he called "terrible lies" and to speak on behalf of Israeli soldiers. His visit drew renewed criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has previously threatened to have Netanyahu arrested and reiterated in a CNN interview that he views the prime minister as a "war criminal" responsible for genocide against Palestinians. Mamdani said New Yorkers have the right to protest given the International Criminal Court's outstanding arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Netanyahu responded sharply, accusing the mayor of supporting Hamas and inciting unrest against New York's Jewish community. Police union officials warned the rhetoric could escalate protests.

Separately at the UN, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant speech condemning U.S. and Israeli actions, prompting a walkout by an American delegate. In Israel, U.S. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter's son was critically injured in a car-ramming attack in Samaria, adding further strain amid the high-profile diplomatic tensions.
Netanyahu's UN visit sparks clashes with Mayor Mamdani over ICC arrest calls amid rising Israel-Iran tensions.

New York City is preparing for widespread street closures and traffic disruptions as world leaders arrive for the annual United Nations General Assembly, set to run in Midtown Manhattan from Tuesday through Sept. 28, with some dignitaries arriving as early as Sunday. High-profile attendees expected include President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said security will be tight around the UN headquarters, with rolling and intermittent closures affecting dozens of streets in the Tudor City and Murray Hill areas. Every day of the assembly—Monday, Sept. 21 through Friday, Sept. 25—has been designated a Gridlock Alert day. City officials are urging residents and commuters to use mass transit rather than drive through the affected zones during the week-long gathering, which brings intensified security and diplomatic activity to the heart of Manhattan.

Security is intensifying across New York City ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, with the U.S. Secret Service coordinating a large multi-agency operation as world leaders begin arriving. A Multi-Agency Coordination Center in Downtown Brooklyn will be staffed by Secret Service personnel alongside representatives from 20 partner agencies, including U.N. security, the Department of War, and President Trump's protective detail.

Officials describe a heightened threat environment this year, partly due to the expected attendance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the week, with protests anticipated. Authorities also cited concerns tied to artificial intelligence and drone technology, and the Secret Service plans to deploy its own drones to monitor airspace during the event.

Transportation planning is a major focus, with hundreds of vehicles brought in for motorcades. The bulk of the security mission begins Sunday, and New Yorkers should expect increased motorcade activity and road closures across the city starting Monday as the annual gathering gets underway.