Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is “fomenting hate” by labeling him a war criminal. Mamdani has suggested Netanyahu should face arrest over the war in Gaza during his anticipated visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Undeterred by the mayor’s remarks, Netanyahu plans to attend the U.N. gathering in September. Mamdani has stated that New York City lacks the legal power to enforce the world’s top war crimes court’s arrest warrant, but he urged the federal government to act instead.
“He’s supposed to be the mayor of all New Yorkers — Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone. But he’s trying to turn one group against the other.”
Netanyahu shared his sentiments on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” with Maria Bartiromo. His visit concerns some New Yorkers as divisions over the Israel-Gaza war deepen. The war followed a deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel in October. Additionally, Israel’s involvement with the U.S. in actions against Iran and southern Lebanon has intensified these tensions.
Netanyahu dismissed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) war crimes charges against him, calling them “bogus.” He highlighted sexual misconduct allegations against the ICC’s former prosecutor, suggesting attempts to divert attention from these issues.
The New York mayor’s office has not commented on these allegations. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has expressed anxiety over the eroding bipartisan support for Israel in the U.S., particularly among progressive Democrats aligned with Mamdani. He voiced concern over increasing antisemitism, noting discomfort among Jews in New York, home to one of the largest Jewish communities globally.
During his election campaign, Mamdani vowed to instruct the police to arrest Netanyahu if possible. Though New York lacks the authority to detain him, Mamdani remains firm in his stance against war criminals entering the city.
“I want to be equally clear, Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large.”
The Hague-based ICC accused Netanyahu and others of crimes against humanity. According to the Palestinian territory’s Health Ministry, Israel’s offensive led to over 73,000 deaths, with many women and children among the casualties. In contrast, approximately 1,200 people died during the initial Hamas assault on Israel, most of whom were civilians.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump assured Netanyahu that he would face no arrest while in the U.S., reinforcing Netanyahu’s stance against the charges. Netanyahu is also scheduled to visit Washington to meet with Trump and attend the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Israel supporter who passed away suddenly.
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