Israel’s UN Ambassador Responds to NYC Mayor’s Comments on Netanyahu

The Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his recent demand regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Danon dismissed Mamdani as a “clown” following the mayor’s call for federal authorities to arrest Netanyahu during his visit to New York.

Mamdani accused Netanyahu of being a “war criminal” and responsible for a “horrific genocide” against Palestinians. He urged the federal government to execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against the Prime Minister. Netanyahu is expected to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan in September.

Danon, speaking to Fox News Digital, stated, “Those baseless remarks about harassing the Prime Minister—it’s a joke, and he’s a clown.” He added that Mamdani’s comments are a stunt and not a matter for a local mayor, emphasizing that foreign affairs should be left to federal authorities. Danon suggested that the mayor should address local issues like homelessness and public safety in New York, especially amid rising antisemitism.

The New York City Mayor’s Office had released a video in July titled, “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal,” echoing Mamdani’s previous statements to The New York Times. Mamdani asserted that Netanyahu was linked to the deaths of over 73,000 people and other severe accusations, including targeting hospitals and blocking humanitarian aid.

CNN’s legal analyst criticized Mamdani’s claims as “utterly ridiculous.” Danon argued against Mamdani’s allegations, stating that significant humanitarian aid flows into Gaza daily and denied the claims of genocide and starvation. Danon maintained that there are no humanitarian crises in Gaza presently.

Mamdani acknowledged that New York City lacks the legal authority to act on the warrant unilaterally. He called on the federal government to join the ICC and enforce the warrant, reiterating his stance that Netanyahu and other alleged war criminals are unwelcome in the city.

Israeli officials have strongly denied the allegations, with Netanyahu’s office rejecting the ICC’s jurisdiction. They describe the ICC as a “kangaroo court” without authority over Israelis or Americans. Danon emphasized that the U.S. is not a member of the ICC, making the warrant ineffective against Netanyahu in the country.

Danon stressed the importance of addressing significant issues such as the situation with Iran rather than focusing on Mamdani’s statements. He confirmed that Netanyahu plans to address the U.N. General Assembly, regardless of the controversy.

Danon also noted that Mayor Adams attended Netanyahu’s speech last year and suggested that Mamdani could do the same, highlighting the possibility of learning from the Prime Minister’s address.

Emma Bussey, who has experience at the Telegraph covering multiple areas, including politics, contributes to Fox News Digital as a breaking news writer.