Netanyahu condemns New York mayor's call for his arrest ahead of UN meeting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is "fomenting hate" by labeling the prime minister a war criminal and urging his arrest should he travel to the city for the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu, who plans to address the U.N. gathering in September, dismissed the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant as "bogus" and questioned the credibility of the ICC prosecutor.

Speaking on Fox News’ "Sunday Morning Futures," Netanyahu warned that the mayor’s remarks could deepen divisions among New Yorkers of different faiths. He also expressed concern that bipartisan U.S. support for Israel could erode, citing growing opposition from progressive Democrats.

Mamdani, in a video message, said New York City does not have legal authority to enforce an ICC arrest warrant but urged federal officials to act. He reiterated that neither he nor the city would welcome Netanyahu or any individual deemed a war criminal, while emphasizing the city’s respect for protest.

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 began after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The war has resulted in more than 73,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

President Donald Trump 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 late Senator Lindsey Graham, a noted supporter of Israel.