New York City Council Member Zohran Mamdani is not planning to participate in protests expected next week against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his arrival for the United Nations General Assembly. This represents a shift in approach from Mamdani, who just last July encouraged residents to protest against the prime minister's visit to the city. "If anyone feels a level of frustration or opposition, protest is something that is always respected," the council member said at the time. According to city officials, his decision to stay away from the protests comes against the backdrop of a desire to avoid widening the rift with the Jewish community in the city, as well as security complexities on the part of the New York Police Department.