Netanyahu says he will travel to New York despite ICC arrest warrant

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday publicly rebuked New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, accusing the mayor of “fomenting hate” after Mamdani issued a statement condemning Israel’s recent military operations in the Gaza Strip. In a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Mamdani’s remarks, which called for an immediate cease‑fire and criticized what he described as “disproportionate use of force,” were “dangerous rhetoric that fuels hostility toward the Israeli people.” The prime minister added that elected officials in foreign cities have no jurisdiction over Israel’s security decisions and urged international leaders to refrain from politicizing the conflict.

Mamdani, a 28‑year‑old Somali‑American who assumed office in January, released his comment on social media following a United Nations report on civilian casualties in Gaza. He emphasized the city’s commitment to human‑rights standards and urged New York to join global efforts to protect civilians. The mayor’s office has not responded to Netanyahu’s accusation, while diplomatic officials in both Washington and Jerusalem noted that the exchange underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding international commentary on the Israel‑Gaza war. The incident adds to a series of recent diplomatic tensions as the conflict continues to draw scrutiny from municipal leaders worldwide.