'War criminal': New York mayor eyes Netanyahu arrest at UN

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is actively discussing the legal framework for potentially arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visits the city for the UN General Assembly in September. Mamdani, who has previously pledged to use the city's police to enforce ICC arrest warrants, believes Netanyahu belongs in The Hague.

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I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague. He is a war criminal wanted by the International Criminal Court.

"I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague. He is a war criminal wanted by the International Criminal Court," Mamdani told The New York Times. He acknowledged uncertainty about his authority to detain a foreign leader but confirmed ongoing "active discussions" with New York authorities. "Whatever the law allows me to do in New York, we will do," he added.

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Whatever the law allows me to do in New York, we will do.

The mayor's comments have drawn sharp criticism. Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, accused Mamdani of inciting hostility and seeking headlines by targeting Israel. Danon asserted that Netanyahu would visit New York, speak proudly at the UN, and affirm Israel's truth and right to self-defense. Netanyahu himself responded on New York radio, accusing Mamdani of hating the United States and supporting Hamas.

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He chooses to incite hostility and make headlines by attacking the State of Israel.

Mamdani, associated with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, has previously labeled Israel an "apartheid regime" and described the Gaza offensive as "genocide." He has also spoken out against antisemitism. The ICC, based in The Hague, has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

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I think that deep down, he hates the United States.