NEW YORK—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly
responded to criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his visit
to the city.
In a message addressed to the mayor, Netanyahu stated that
Mamdani had tried to prevent his arrival and limit his right to free speech.
The Israeli leader maintained that, despite these actions, he would continue to
publicly defend his position.
“Mr. Mamdani, you tried to prevent me from coming. You tried
to silence me,” Netanyahu said, adding, “You can’t silence me. You can’t
silence the truth.”
The statements were made during Netanyahu’s visit to New
York, where he participated in activities related to the United Nations General
Assembly.
The radical leftist Mamdani has maintained a critical stance
towards the Israeli government and has questioned Israel's military actions in
Gaza, becoming one of the most visible voices in New York in opposition to
Netanyahu.