New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered a sharp rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, following the Israeli leader's allegations that Mamdani supported Hamas militants and fueled unrest among Jewish residents of New York. This exchange further intensified an ongoing public disagreement between the two officials, occurring just days before Prime Minister Netanyahu's scheduled visit to the city.
When questioned by reporters regarding a video released by Netanyahu, Mayor Mamdani dismissed the prime minister's claims. "We all know that what the prime minister has said in that video is not true," Mamdani stated. He continued, "What we do know to actually be the truth when it comes to the prime minister is that he is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity."
The ICC had issued this arrest warrant in November 2024, based on accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, though Netanyahu and the Israeli government have consistently rejected these allegations and challenged the court's authority.
Days before Netanyahu is set to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mamdani escalated his criticism, leveling further serious charges against the Israeli premier. "And as the prime minister, he is the architect of horrific genocide against Palestinians," Mamdani asserted. He also referenced a recent incident: "And just a few days ago, his military killed an 11-year-old boy in what is deemed to be a safe zone in Gaza. So that is what I have to say to his video."
Prime Minister's Video Accusations
Mayor Mamdani's remarks came in direct response to comments made by Prime Minister Netanyahu earlier on Tuesday. In a video message, Netanyahu vowed to "tell the truth" about Mamdani during his upcoming speech at the U.N.
"Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani. Shame on you for supporting the Hamas terrorist monsters who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews," Netanyahu declared in the video, which was shared on X. "I'm coming to the U.N. I am going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I'm going to tell you the truth about you," he added.
This latest public confrontation marks another development in the ongoing contentious relationship between the two leaders, occurring as Netanyahu prepares for his visit to the city where Mamdani holds office.
Mayor Mamdani's Prior Positions
The Mayor of New York City has a history of vocal opposition to the Israeli Prime Minister. Earlier this year, Mamdani investigated the feasibility of New York City enforcing the ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu—a pledge he had made during his political campaign—before concluding that municipal authorities lacked the independent power to execute such a warrant.
Mamdani has previously characterized Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people." During the summer, he explicitly stated that Netanyahu was "not welcome" in New York City.
"I want to be equally clear: Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large," Mamdani asserted at the time.
Furthermore, Mamdani has consistently defended the right of New Yorkers to engage in protests during Netanyahu's visit, though he has clarified that he is not actively encouraging demonstrations.
When questioned in July about how New Yorkers concerned about Netanyahu's visit should respond, Mamdani suggested protest as a legitimate option.
"One of the bedrocks of our city is protest," Mamdani explained. "It is something that has been a part of what makes our city so special, that New Yorkers can express themselves whether they are in support or in opposition no matter on whatever topic."
More recently, Mamdani reiterated that he does not plan to participate in any protests related to Netanyahu's visit and emphasized that he has not urged New Yorkers to demonstrate.
"To New Yorkers, I have never encouraged them to protest," Mamdani stated last week. "What I have always told them is that they have the right to do so in the city."
Discussion with Former President Trump
Following a meeting with former President Donald Trump on Monday, Mayor Mamdani was also asked by reporters whether his conversation with the former president included discussions about Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Mamdani clarified that their discussion remained focused on matters pertinent to New York City and its residents. A statement from the mayor's office after the Monday meeting confirmed that Mamdani and Trump addressed various urban challenges, including housing affordability and economic development initiatives.
Regarding the Israeli Prime Minister, Mamdani reiterated his firm stance: "And when it comes to the prime minister, though, I've made very clear where I stand on that," he concluded.
