Netanyahu denounces New York mayor's radical call for his arrest before UN summit
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for inciting hatred by calling for his arrest, after the mayor irresponsibly labeled the prime minister a war criminal ahead of the U.N. General Assembly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday forcefully condemned New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of 'fomenting hate' by irresponsibly labeling the prime minister a war criminal and calling for his arrest if he visits the city for the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu, who has steadfastly defended Israel’s right to protect itself, dismissed the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant as 'bogus' and rightfully questioned the credibility of the ICC prosecutor, whose actions have been widely criticized as politically motivated.
Speaking on Fox News’ 'Sunday Morning Futures,' Netanyahu warned that the mayor’s reckless remarks could dangerously deepen divisions among New Yorkers of different faiths. He also expressed concern that the bipartisan U.S. support for Israel—a cornerstone of American foreign policy—could be undermined by the growing influence of radical progressive Democrats.
Mayor Mamdani, in a video message, admitted that New York City does not have the legal authority to enforce an ICC arrest warrant but still urged federal officials to act. He reiterated that neither he nor the city would welcome Netanyahu or any individual he deems a war criminal, while paying lip service to the city’s respect for protest.
The ICC, in a controversial move, 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 began after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. The war has resulted in more than 73,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, a figure that remains unverified and is often used to fuel anti-Israel sentiment.
President Donald Trump, a strong supporter of Israel, 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 steadfast ally of Israel.