Ambassador Criticizes NYC Mayor’s Call to Arrest Netanyahu

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for demanding federal authorities arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to the city. Danon described Mamdani as a ‘clown’ for calling Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’ and claiming he masterminded a ‘genocide’ against Palestinians. Mamdani urged the federal government to execute an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Netanyahu when he addresses the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan.

Danon dismissed Mamdani’s remarks as baseless. He stated it was a stunt and urged the mayor to focus on urban issues like homelessness and rising antisemitism rather than foreign affairs. Mamdani’s office released a video titled, ‘Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal,’ reiterating accusations against the Israeli leader, including causing thousands of casualties and targeting hospitals.

Mamdani also alleged Netanyahu blocked food and humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Danon countered these claims, emphasizing that substantial humanitarian aid continues to flow into Gaza. He condemned Mamdani for spreading ‘blood libels’ against Israel and the Jewish community.

The mayor acknowledged City Hall lacks the authority to act on the ICC warrant but urged the federal government to enforce it. He stated Netanyahu and other alleged war criminals should not be welcome in New York.

Israeli officials have rejected the charges, dismissing the ICC’s jurisdiction and claiming it lacks authority over Americans or Israelis. Danon labeled Mamdani’s accusations as a political stunt, emphasizing the U.S. is not part of the ICC and no effective warrant exists in the U.S. against Netanyahu. He highlighted more pressing issues like relations with Iran.

Danon encouraged Mamdani to attend Netanyahu’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly to perhaps gain insights. He mentioned the prior attendance of local leaders, highlighting engagement as an appropriate response.