Mamdani Calls Netanyahu a 'War Criminal,' Says He Would Seek Arrest if Legally Possible

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and said he would seek to have him arrested if the law permits during a visit to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The UN General Assembly is scheduled to open on September 8, with Netanyahu expected to attend alongside other world leaders.

In an interview published Saturday by The New York Times, Mamdani said he believes Netanyahu "belongs in The Hague," referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu's place is in The Hague. He is a war criminal against whom the International Criminal Court has brought charges," Mamdani said, adding that many people share that view because of Israel's actions in recent years.

Mamdani had made similar remarks during his mayoral campaign, pledging to seek Netanyahu's arrest if he visited New York. However, he acknowledged that he is uncertain whether a mayor has the legal authority to order the arrest of a foreign head of government and said he is consulting the city's legal advisers on the issue.

"Whatever New York City law allows us to do, that is exactly what we will do," Mamdani said.

Israel strongly criticized the remarks.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, wrote on X that instead of focusing on his responsibilities as mayor and addressing what he described as rising antisemitism in New York City, Mamdani had chosen "to attack Israel, incite hostility, and generate headlines."

Danon added that Netanyahu would travel to New York as planned, address the UN General Assembly, and "proudly present Israel's unwavering right to defend its citizens."

He also said, "If anyone should be arrested, it is New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani."

Separately, Netanyahu recently accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas during an interview on a New York radio program, claiming that the mayor "secretly hates America."

The exchange reflects growing political tensions over the Gaza conflict and the ICC's actions involving Israeli leaders. Netanyahu has rejected the allegations against him, while Israel has repeatedly challenged the court's jurisdiction and legitimacy.