Mamdani Rejects Netanyahu's Accusations, Calls Israeli Leader 'Architect of Horrific Genocide'

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday rejected accusations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had alleged Mamdani supported Hamas terrorists and incited unrest against Jewish New Yorkers. The exchange escalates a public feud between the two leaders days before Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mamdani stated that Netanyahu's video remarks were untrue and instead pointed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. "What we do know to actually be the truth when it comes to the prime minister is that he is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity," Mamdani told reporters.

He further accused Netanyahu of being "the architect of horrific genocide against Palestinians." Mamdani cited the recent killing of an 11-year-old boy in Gaza, which he described as a "safe zone," as an example.

Netanyahu had previously posted a video on X, stating, "Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani. Shame on you for supporting the Hamas terrorist monsters who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews." He added, "I'm coming to the U.N. I am going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I'm going to tell you the truth about you."

This is not the first time Mamdani has publicly criticized Netanyahu. Earlier this year, Mamdani explored the possibility of New York City enforcing the ICC warrant, a campaign promise, before acknowledging the city's limitations in such enforcement. Mamdani has previously referred to Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and stated that the Israeli leader was "not welcome" in New York City.

When asked in July about New Yorkers' potential frustrations with Netanyahu's visit, Mamdani highlighted protest as a right in the city. However, he recently clarified that he has not encouraged New Yorkers to demonstrate and is not planning to participate in protests himself, stating, "What I have always told them is that they have the right to do so in the city."

Mamdani also recently met with President Donald Trump to discuss New York City issues such as affordability and economic development, Mamdani's office stated. Mamdani indicated that his conversation with Trump did not include Netanyahu, as he had made his position on the prime minister clear.