Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “fomenting hate” after Mamdani called for Netanyahu’s arrest over his role in Israel’s war in Gaza. Mamdani, who during his 2025 mayoral campaign pledged to order the city’s police to execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu, stated on Wednesday that while New York City lacks legal authority to enforce the warrant, he encouraged the federal government to do so.

Netanyahu dismissed the ICC’s war crime charges as “bogus” and confirmed his intention to be in New York in September to address the annual United Nations General Assembly, despite Mamdani’s suggestion that he is not welcome. On Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Netanyahu criticized Mamdani for dividing New Yorkers, saying, “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.”

The Israeli prime minister also referenced recent sexual misconduct allegations against the ICC’s top prosecutor, who was removed from office, asserting that the arrest warrant was an attempt to divert attention. Netanyahu expressed concern that bipartisan political support for Israel in the US is weakening, especially as progressive and far-left Democrats aligned with Mamdani’s faction splinter.

The conflict in Gaza, which has made Netanyahu a polarizing figure, was ignited by a deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023. Israel has also engaged in military actions against Iran and launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah fire.

Mamdani stated clearly in a video message on Wednesday, “Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large.”

Sources