Netanyahu: Mamdani seeks to 'divert attention from his errors' with arrest threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired back at New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of attempting to distract the public from his own shortcomings. The statement from Netanyahu's office came after reports that Mamdani is exploring the possibility of ordering Netanyahu's arrest should he attend the UN General Assembly in September.

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Mamdani appears interested in diverting public attention from his errors and attacking the leader of the Jewish state and the only democracy in the Middle East.

"Mamdani appears interested in diverting public attention from his errors and attacking the leader of the Jewish state and the only democracy in the Middle East," Netanyahu's office stated on X. The statement further urged Mamdani to "focus on repairing the damage his policies have caused to New York."

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Mamdani should focus on repairing the damage his policies have caused to New York.

Netanyahu, who is seeking re-election in Israel, had previously addressed the arrest threat during a radio appearance, dismissing it as a concern and accusing the mayor of supporting Hamas. Mamdani, however, confirmed he is in active discussions with the city's legal department regarding his authority to have the NYPD detain Netanyahu.

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I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu's place is in The Hague.

"I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu's place is in The Hague," Mamdani stated this week on 'The Interview,' a New York Times program, referring to the seat of the International Court of Justice. He characterized Netanyahu as a "war criminal accused by the International Criminal Court," a sentiment he believes is shared by many due to the consequences of Netanyahu's actions over the years. Mamdani clarified that any action would be within the bounds of New York City law.

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It is a war criminal who has been accused by the International Criminal Court.