Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday condemned New York City Mayor Eric Adams for calling him a war criminal, stating that such accusations are "fomenting hate." Netanyahu, who plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, dismissed the International Criminal Court's (ICC) war crimes charges against him as "bogus."
Netanyahu, speaking on Fox News, criticized Adams for suggesting that he should be arrested if he visits the city. "He’s supposed to be the mayor of all New Yorkers — Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone," Netanyahu said. "But he’s trying to turn one group against the other."
Adams had previously stated that while New York City lacks the legal authority to execute an arrest warrant from the ICC, he encouraged federal authorities to take action. In a video message, Adams declared, "Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large."
The ICC has accused Netanyahu, along with Hamas leaders, of crimes against humanity in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli prime minister suggested the warrant was an attempt to divert attention, pointing to sexual misconduct allegations against the ICC's top prosecutor.
Netanyahu expressed concern that bipartisan support for Israel in the U.S. is diminishing, particularly with the growing influence of progressive and far-left Democrats. He also warned of rising antisemitism in the U.S. and other Western countries, noting that Jewish residents in New York City, home to a significant Jewish population, feel increasingly uncomfortable.
The prime minister is also expected in Washington this week to meet with former President Donald Trump and attend funeral services for the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, whom Netanyahu called an "extraordinary American patriot."
Trump, in a social media post, assured Netanyahu that he would not be arrested while in the United States.
The conflict in Gaza was ignited by an Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 73,000 people have been killed in Israel's offensive, with approximately half being women and children. The initial Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, most of them civilians.