New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, responding to a speech delivered at the United Nations General Assembly. According to Reuters, Mamdani accused Netanyahu of using the UN platform to utter baseless falsehoods designed to obscure the ongoing genocide against Palestinians.
Netanyahu Targets Mamdani Over Antisemitism Allegations at UN
During the UN General Assembly session on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly focused on Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The Israeli Prime Minister condemned Mamdani’s vocal criticisms of Israel, labeling him an antisemit.
Netanyahu asserted that Jewish residents have lost their sense of safety in New York City since Mamdani assumed office. “They berbicara kepada saya. They menyampaikannya kepada saya. Ini bukan lagi kota yang kami ingat,” Netanyahu stated during his address, claiming constituents reported rapid deterioration in civic safety.
Accusations of Hamas Support and Social Media Scrutiny
The Israeli leader also alleged that Mamdani supports Hamas, pointing to online activity involving the mayor’s family. Netanyahu claimed that Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, interacted favorably with a social media post praising the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, which precipitated the Gaza conflict.
Netanyahu criticized the New York mayor for failing to condemn those actions. “Anda menolak untuk mengecam semua hal itu,” Netanyahu declared, adding that the mayor repeatedly levels accusations of genocide against the Israeli state.
International Criminal Court Warrant Retorts and Travel Tensions
Addressing logistical friction surrounding his visit, Netanyahu claimed Mamdani actively attempted to block his arrival in New York. “Anda berusaha mencegah saya datang ke sini; Anda berupaya membungkam saya,” Netanyahu said, maintaining that truth cannot be suppressed.
In his immediate public reply via Reuters on September 25, 2026, Mamdani dismissed these complaints. “Tidak ada kebohongan yang dapat mengubah fakta bahwa ia tetap menjadi subjek surat perintah penangkapan Mahkamah Pidana Internasional,” Mamdani stated, emphasizing that legal accountability under the ICC supersedes diplomatic rhetoric at the UN.
Did you know?
The International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants independently of the United Nations General Assembly, meaning speeches delivered at UN headquarters do not alter the legal status of individuals under ICC jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticize Benjamin Netanyahu?
Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized Benjamin Netanyahu’s September 2026 UN General Assembly speech, asserting that the Israeli Prime Minister used the global platform to spread falsehoods covering up genocide against Palestinians.
What did Benjamin Netanyahu say about Zohran Mamdani at the UN?
Benjamin Netanyahu labeled Mamdani an antisemit, claimed Jewish residents feel unsafe in New York City under his tenure, accused him of supporting Hamas, and alleged that Mamdani attempted to prevent his travel to the city.
How did Mayor Mamdani respond to Netanyahu’s UN address?
Mamdani responded via Reuters by stating that no amount of lying changes the fact that Netanyahu remains a subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
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