New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated their public feud on Tuesday, as Netanyahu previewed his upcoming address to the United Nations General Assembly by accusing Mamdani of supporting Hamas and inciting unrest against Jewish New Yorkers.
In a video posted to X, Netanyahu stated: 'I'm coming to the U.N. I am going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I am going to tell the truth about you [Mamdani]. 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.'
Mamdani, who has previously called for Netanyahu’s arrest over an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in November 2024, responded by reiterating his criticism of Netanyahu’s leadership. In a statement to reporters, he said: 'We all know that what the prime minister has said in that video is not true. 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.'
Mamdani further accused Netanyahu of being 'the architect of horrific genocide against Palestinians,' citing recent incidents in Gaza, including the killing of an 11-year-old boy in what was deemed a safe zone.
Netanyahu’s UN Visit and Broader Context
Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Thursday, where he has stated his intention to 'defend Israel’s military actions against Palestinians.' His visit to New York follows a period of heightened international scrutiny over the Israel-Gaza conflict, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 others being kidnapped, according to Israeli authorities. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials, who do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants.
Mamdani’s Call for Accountability
Mamdani has repeatedly called for Netanyahu’s arrest, acknowledging in prior statements that he lacks the legal authority to effectuate such an arrest. His advocacy has drawn both support and criticism, with some accusing him of antisemitism over his pro-Palestinian stance, while others defend his right to criticize Israeli government policies. Mamdani has condemned antisemitism, stating that his criticism of Israel is often conflated with antisemitism.
International Response and Accusations
The Israeli Consul-General in New York, Ofir Akunis, echoed Netanyahu’s remarks in a post on X, accusing Mamdani of 'spreading antisemitism' and 'classic antisemitism' for his criticism of Israel. Akunis stated: 'Mamdani continues doing the only thing he knows how to do: incitement and the spreading of lies and blood libels against the State of Israel.'
Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. was originally planned to include meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and a visit to Texas, though the duration of his stay has since been shortened.
Key Developments in the Feud
- Netanyahu’s Accusations: In a video statement, Netanyahu accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas and inciting unrest against Jewish New Yorkers.
- Mamdani’s Response: The mayor rejected Netanyahu’s claims, reiterated his call for the ICC to enforce Netanyahu’s arrest warrant, and accused the Israeli leader of war crimes.
- ICC Arrest Warrant: Netanyahu is subject to an ICC arrest warrant issued in November 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, which Israel has rejected and challenged.
- Upcoming UN Address: Netanyahu is set to address the UN General Assembly on Thursday, where he plans to defend Israel’s military actions in Gaza.