Israel's UN Ambassador Criticizes NYC Mayor Mamdani Over Remarks on Netanyahu

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon has criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of inciting anti-Israel sentiment ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit for the UN General Assembly.

Danon stated that Mamdani's prior comments, in which he suggested that Netanyahu should be arrested and that protests would follow if he were not, were irresponsible. "He’s very clever, but you cannot set the fire, then say this," Danon remarked, referring to Mamdani's subsequent attempts to backtrack on his remarks.

Mamdani had previously stated, when pressed on a backup plan if an arrest didn't occur, that "one of the bedrocks of our city is protest." Danon argued that these statements, made months before the General Assembly, effectively "set the fire."

While anti-Israel groups are planning protests targeting Israel's UN delegation, Danon noted that counter-protests against Mayor Mamdani have also emerged. Approximately 150 individuals gathered outside Mamdani's residence at Gracie Mansion to protest what they described as his divisive rhetoric.

Danon dismissed Mamdani's recent efforts to distance himself from his earlier statements as "too little, too late." He emphasized that the mayor's role should be to ensure the safety and welcome of world leaders. "He should have said from the beginning: Everyone is welcome to New York. We want you to feel safe in New York. That’s the responsibility of the mayor, not to say, ‘I don’t like Israel, and the prime minister should be arrested,’" Danon said.

During a press conference on Thursday, Danon also called for Mamdani's arrest, referencing the mayor's "ridiculous claim that he can or he should arrest the prime minister." Danon added that Prime Minister Netanyahu would address the General Assembly "despite threats, incitement and antisemitic rhetoric we have heard from the mayor of the city of New York."

Mamdani's office did not respond to requests for comment.