Netanyahu Accuses Mamdani Of Supporting Hamas As Arrest Controversy Escalates
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the mayor acknowledged he does not have the legal authority to arrest the Israeli leader during a future visit to New York, escalating an already heated dispute over Israel, Hamas, and the ongoing war in Gaza.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu accused Mamdani of celebrating Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist attack and supporting the group responsible for the massacre. Netanyahu said Mamdani was siding with “Hamas murderers” and condemned what he described as growing anti-Israel rhetoric from elected officials. He did not provide evidence for the allegation that Mamdani celebrated the October 7 attack.
The comments came after Mamdani admitted that New York City has no legal authority to arrest Netanyahu, despite previously suggesting he would seek to have the Israeli prime minister detained over an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Mamdani instead urged the federal government to take action if Netanyahu visits the United States, while continuing to accuse the Israeli leader of committing war crimes during the conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu dismissed the ICC warrant as illegitimate and politically motivated, arguing that Israel is defending itself against Hamas following the October 7 terrorist attacks that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in hundreds of hostages being taken into Gaza. He also expressed concern that rhetoric from politicians like Mamdani could contribute to rising antisemitism and weaken long-standing U.S.-Israel relations.
The public dispute comes ahead of Netanyahu’s expected visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly later this year. President Trump has already stated that Netanyahu will not be arrested while in the United States, reaffirming his administration’s support for Israel and rejecting calls to enforce the ICC warrant. The controversy has intensified debate over the mayor’s campaign promises, the limits of municipal authority, and the broader political divisions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.