Netanyahu Criticizes New York Mayor Over War Criminal Remarks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reacted to statements made by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who labeled him a war criminal over the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu plans to visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September, despite the mayor’s unwelcome greeting. Mamdani suggested that the federal government should arrest Netanyahu based on an international war-crimes warrant, although the city lacks the authority to do so.

Appearing on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” with Maria Bartiromo, Netanyahu accused Mamdani of inciting division among New Yorkers. Netanyahu’s presence in international and domestic debates has intensified due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, initiated after an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Furthermore, Israel began military actions alongside the U.S. against Iran on February 28, followed by a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

Netanyahu dismissed the International Criminal Court (ICC) charges as unfounded, linking them to the recent removal of the ICC’s top prosecutor over sexual misconduct allegations. This, according to him, is an effort to misdirect attention from these charges.

The mayor’s office did not provide any comment regarding the situation on Sunday. Netanyahu expressed concerns about the wavering bipartisan support for Israel in the U.S., highlighting the growing divide within Democratic circles, especially those aligning with the progressive wing led by Mamdani. He also mentioned the troubling rise in antisemitism in Western nations.

During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani promised to urge the city police to execute the arrest warrant related to Netanyahu’s role in Gaza. However, he recently admitted the city’s lack of authority to enforce such actions, urging federal intervention instead. Mamdani stated clearly in a video message that Netanyahu and other alleged war criminals are not welcome in New York City. He emphasized New Yorkers’ right to protest peacefully.

The ICC has charged Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and the late leader of Hamas with crimes against humanity, amid ongoing Israeli military operations that have resulted in significant casualties in the Palestinian territories. The health ministry reports over 73,000 deaths, with half being women and children. The initial Hamas attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians.

In a related development, former President Donald Trump assured Netanyahu via social media that he would not face arrest in the United States. Netanyahu is scheduled for a visit to Washington to meet with Trump and attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, a noted supporter of Israel, who passed away recently.