‘Inciting hatred’: Netanyahu slams Mamdani’s arrest request, calls ICC Gaza war charges bogus | Today’s news
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (26 July) accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “inciting hatred” after the mayor said Netanyahu should be arrested if he visits the city for the UN General Assembly.
Netanyahu said he plans to travel to New York in September to address the annual UN meeting of world leaders despite Mamdani’s remarks that the Israeli leader would not be welcome in the city.
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu criticized the mayor’s stance, saying the mayor’s role is to represent all residents.
“He should be the mayor of all New Yorkers – Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone,” Netanyahu said. “But they’re trying to turn one group against another.
Mamdani calls Netanyahu a “war criminal”
Mamdani, who has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, said last week that Netanyahu should face arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant if he enters New York.
Mamdani acknowledged that New York City does not have the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant, but called on the federal government to act.
Netanyahu denies the ICC charges
Netanyahu dismissed the ICC charges against him as “false” and accused the court of trying to divert attention from the controversy surrounding his leadership.
The ICC charged Netanyahu, his former defense minister and the late Hamas leader with crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza war.
Netanyahu also pointed to allegations of sexual abuse by the ICC’s former chief prosecutor, who was removed from office on Friday.
The war in Gaza is fueling political division
The dispute comes amid growing political divisions in the United States over Israel’s war in Gaza, which began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has drawn international criticism, with Palestinian health officials reporting more than 73,000 dead during the offensive, including many women and children.
The October 7 Hamas attack killed around 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and sparked an ongoing conflict.
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Netanyahu warns of declining US support for Israel
Netanyahu also warned that traditional bipartisan support for Israel in the United States is under pressure, particularly among progressive Democrats associated with Mamdani’s political wing.
“I think the whole thing is wrong,” Netanyahu said, warning of rising anti-Semitism in the US and other Western countries.
He said Jewish communities, including those in New York, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the world, are increasingly uncomfortable.
“Jews feel very uncomfortable,” Netanyahu said. “And I think it’s wrong. The whole thing is wrong.”
Trump assured Netanyahu of protection during US visit
US President Donald Trump has assured Netanyahu that he will not be arrested during his visit to America.
In a social media post, Trump said Netanyahu “will not be arrested in any way, shape or form while he is in the United States of America.”
Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington this week, where he will meet with Trump and attend memorial services for the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
Netanyahu described Graham, a longtime supporter of Israel, as an “extraordinary American patriot” after his death.
Read also | Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: 4 Key Issues to Watch
