Mayor Mamdani Responds to Netanyahu’s United Nations Speech

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his surprise at being singled out by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a United Nations address. In a conversation with podcaster Theo Von, Mamdani shared, “It was strange.” He was informed of Netanyahu’s comments after attending a meeting with the Dutch prime minister at a Manhattan LGBTQ center.

Netanyahu targeted Mamdani in his speech, accusing him of spreading falsehoods about Israel and obstructing his freedom to speak in New York. Addressing such claims, Netanyahu said, “Shame on you for distorting the facts… Mr. Mamdani.”

Previously, Mamdani had promised to have Netanyahu arrested if the Israeli leader visited New York. This statement was rooted in an ICC arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu in November 2024, citing alleged war crimes. These allegations were rejected by both Netanyahu and the Israeli government.

During the podcast, Von probed further, asking Mamdani if he would have preferred Netanyahu’s arrest. Mamdani responded, “If I had my say, the U.S. government would have joined the ICC, honored every single warrant… issued.”

Von, reflecting on the situation, asked Mamdani if the mention felt personal. Mamdani dismissed personal grievances, stating it was an attempt to evade accountability. “It’s not about me and him,” he said. Instead, he criticized Netanyahu, referring to him as the “architect of a genocide.”