Netanyahu accuses Mamdani of hate over ICC arrest calls

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the mayor called for the enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant should Netanyahu visit New York for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. The dispute has intensified political tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict and the role of international law.

Netanyahu confirmed that he still plans to attend the UN gathering in September, dismissing calls for his arrest and accusing Mamdani of encouraging division among New Yorkers. Speaking in an interview, the Israeli leader said the mayor should represent all communities equally rather than fueling political and social tensions.

Mamdani has acknowledged that New York City lacks the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant but has urged the U.S. federal government to act if Netanyahu enters the country. The mayor has repeatedly stated that individuals facing allegations of war crimes should be held accountable regardless of their political position.

The disagreement follows the ICC’s decision to issue warrants related to the Gaza conflict, accusing Netanyahu and other figures of crimes against humanity. Netanyahu has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them politically motivated and questioning the credibility of the court’s actions.

The conflict traces back to the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has also caused heavy loss of life, drawing widespread international scrutiny and increasing calls for accountability from global organizations.

Netanyahu also expressed concern over declining bipartisan support for Israel in the United States and warned that antisemitism has been rising in several Western countries. With the UN General Assembly approaching, the debate over the ICC warrant is expected to remain a major diplomatic and political issue, placing renewed attention on international justice, U.S. policy, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.