Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recent statements by characterizing the mayor’s remarks as divisive and inflammatory. Mamdani had indicated last week that while New York City lacks the legal authority to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, he has called on federal authorities to arrest Netanyahu over his role in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Netanyahu expressed plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, proceeding despite the mayor’s declaration that he is unwelcome. In a television appearance, Netanyahu stated that Mamdani, as mayor, should represent all constituents rather than attempting to drive wedges between different groups. He characterized the ICC’s war crimes allegations against him as “bogus” and suggested the charges were motivated by efforts to distract from misconduct allegations involving the court’s recently removed top prosecutor.
The conflict stems from an ongoing military campaign that began following Hamas militants’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel has faced mounting international criticism over the Palestinian casualty toll in Gaza, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting over 73,000 deaths, according to the article. Netanyahu expressed concern about erosion of bipartisan U.S. political support for Israel and cited what he characterized as rising antisemitism in Western countries, noting that Jewish residents in New York City reported discomfort.
Mamdani’s office did not provide immediate comment to requests for response. During his recent mayoral campaign, Mamdani had pledged to direct city police to enforce the ICC warrant, though he later acknowledged New York lacked legal jurisdiction to do so. Former U.S. President Trump stated on social media that Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.” Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington this week for meetings with Trump and to attend funeral services for late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, described as a strong Israel supporter.
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