Fetterman Torches Mamdani As A ‘Clown’ Over Push To Arrest Netanyahu

Sen. John Fetterman blasted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “clown” for exploring whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be arrested during a future visit to the city.

The Pennsylvania Democrat mocked Mamdani’s tough talk during an appearance on “Sunday Morning Futures,” arguing that the far-left mayor does not have the legal authority to detain the leader of one of America’s closest allies.

“Such a tough guy to say that kind of thing,” Fetterman said. “He has no way to do that.”

Mamdani has repeatedly called Netanyahu a war criminal and said the Israeli leader belongs in The Hague. His administration is reportedly consulting with city attorneys and the NYPD about possible action if Netanyahu attends the United Nations General Assembly in September.

The mayor’s threat is based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in 2024 over allegations connected to Israel’s war against Hamas. However, the United States is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize the court’s authority over American territory.

Mamdani acknowledged that there may be legal limits preventing an arrest but insisted his administration would continue examining its options. He claimed any action would be taken within city and federal law.

The proposal has triggered bipartisan condemnation. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz dismissed it as political theater, while former Mayor Eric Adams and other New York officials called the threat reckless and potentially damaging to American diplomacy.

Fetterman, one of the Democratic Party’s strongest supporters of Israel, has repeatedly broken with far-left members of his party over their attacks on Netanyahu and the Jewish state. His latest criticism highlights the widening divide between traditional pro-Israel Democrats and socialist activists now gaining influence in major cities.