Netanyahu targets Mamdani at UN, New York mayor hits back

New York Mayor Zoharan Mamdani has reacted strongly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At the 81st session of the UNGA on September 24, Netanyahu targeted Mamdani. Mamdani then said Netanyahu repeated lies in his speech to justify Israel’s actions against the Palestinians.

Mamdani said Netanyahu’s statements do not negate the fact that he has an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and then-Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Netanyahu targeted Mamdani

Mamdani’s reaction came after Netanyahu’s speech, in which the Israeli prime minister took direct aim at the New York mayor. Netanyahu said many Jews in New York are feeling unsafe after Mamdani was elected mayor. He accused Mamdani of being associated with people who support Hamas.

Netanyahu also named American commentator Hassan Picker. He alleged that Picker had said something to justify the 9/11 attacks on America. He also claimed that Mamdani invited a Palestinian journalist to his home who filmed Hamas fighters beating and torturing Israeli hostages. According to Netanyahu, the journalist did not publish the video because he wanted to protect Hamas fighters.

Mamda’s wife accused

Netanyahu also accused Mamdani’s wife of liking a post praising the October 7 attack. He also mentioned another post that questioned the existence of Tel Aviv. Netanyahu said Mamdani repeatedly accused Israel of genocide and tried to prevent him from coming to the UN. He rejected the accusations and said Israel did not commit genocide, but prevented it.

Earlier, Mamdani appealed to the US government to execute the ICC’s arrest warrant. However, he acknowledged that the mayor of New York City does not have the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu himself.