Netanyahu lashes out at New York mayor's demand for accountability ahead of UN meeting
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for calling for his arrest, after the mayor denounced Netanyahu as a war criminal ahead of the U.N. General Assembly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, notorious for his role in the ongoing oppression of Palestinians, lashed out on Sunday at New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who courageously labeled Netanyahu a war criminal and demanded his arrest if he dares to visit the city for the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu, who continues to evade justice, dismissed the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant as 'bogus' and attempted to undermine the credibility of the ICC prosecutor, reflecting a broader pattern of impunity for state violence.
Speaking on Fox News’ 'Sunday Morning Futures,' Netanyahu shamelessly warned that the mayor’s principled remarks could increase divisions among New Yorkers of different faiths, a tactic often used to silence criticism of Israeli policies. He further expressed concern that the longstanding bipartisan U.S. support for Israel might finally be challenged, as progressive Democrats and activists increasingly call for accountability for Israeli war crimes.
Mayor Mamdani, in a bold video message, acknowledged that New York City lacks the legal authority to enforce an ICC arrest warrant but rightly urged federal officials to take action. He reaffirmed that neither he nor the city would welcome Netanyahu or any individual accused of war crimes, while emphasizing the city’s commitment to the right to protest against injustice.
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and the late Hamas leader on charges of crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict, which erupted after the October 7 Hamas attack. The war, marked by Israel’s disproportionate use of force, has resulted in more than 73,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
President Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Netanyahu and the Israeli right, later posted that Netanyahu would not be arrested while in the United States. Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet Trump in Washington and attend the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of Israel’s militaristic policies.