New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has renewed his call for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be arrested over allegations of war crimes, days before Netanyahu is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Speaking to CNN after meeting US President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion on Monday, Mamdani described Netanyahu as “a war criminal and an architect of a horrific genocide of the Palestinian people”.
“I do believe that that is something that should be honoured, because what we want to see, and we’ve been talking about this today, is a faith in our politics, a faith in accountability,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani Cites International Criminal Court
Mamdani referred to the International Criminal Court when explaining his position on Netanyahu.
“If the International Criminal Court deems someone worthy of an arrest because of a violation of those laws, then who are we to say that anyone should be above that?” he said.
“And I think very clearly that everyone should be held accountable to it,” Mamdani added.
The comments come after Mamdani faced scrutiny over remarks he made in July regarding Netanyahu’s expected visit to New York. Mamdani had urged protesters to take to the streets if Netanyahu was not arrested, but has since said he did not call for such action.
Mamdani has also acknowledged that, as mayor, he does not have the authority to arrest Netanyahu.
Israel Criticises Mamdani
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon has criticised Mamdani over his comments and his previous calls for demonstrations.
“He’s very clever, but you cannot set the fire, then say this,” Danon said, arguing that the mayor could not call for protests and then distance himself from the consequences.
Netanyahu has also responded directly to Mamdani’s criticism.
“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 said in a video message posted on social media.
“I’m coming to the UN. I’m going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I’m going to tell the truth about you,” he added.
Netanyahu is expected to address the UN General Assembly in New York this week, with his visit taking place amid continuing international debate over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the broader Middle East conflict.