Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations harshly criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday. He labeled Mamdani a ‘clown’ for requesting federal authorities to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in New York City. This exchange followed Mamdani’s characterization of Netanyahu as a ‘war criminal’ and the ‘architect of a horrific genocide’ against Palestinians. Mamdani called on national authorities to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu, who plans to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan in September.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed Mamdani’s statements as baseless. ‘Those remarks are a joke, and he’s a clown,’ Danon stated. He suggested that the mayor should address domestic issues like homelessness and garbage in New York. Danon emphasized that foreign affairs should remain under the purview of Washington, particularly pointing out the need to ensure the security of the Jewish community in light of rising antisemitism.
The New York City Mayor’s Office released a video titled ‘Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal’ on YouTube on July 21. In the video, Mamdani iterated his accusations against Netanyahu, claiming responsibility for the deaths of over 73,000 people and severe injuries to many children, including those requiring amputations without anesthesia. He accused Netanyahu of attacking neonatal hospitals and obstructing food and humanitarian aid.
Danon disputed Mamdani’s allegations, stating that substantial humanitarian aid enters Gaza daily. He accused Mamdani of perpetuating unfounded claims of genocide and starvation. Danon concluded that there are currently no humanitarian issues in Gaza and criticized Mamdani and others for continuing to spread these allegations.
Mamdani acknowledged that New York City lacks the unilateral legal authority to enforce the ICC’s warrant. He urged the federal government to join the ICC and execute the warrant, declaring that Netanyahu and other alleged war criminals are unwelcome in New York City.
Israeli officials have strongly denied the accusations. Netanyahu’s office dismissed the ICC’s jurisdiction, describing it as a ‘kangaroo court’ with no authority over Americans or Israelis. Danon reiterated that the U.S. does not participate in the ICC, rendering any alleged warrant ineffective against Netanyahu within the country.
Danon emphasized that Israel faces significant issues, including conflict with Iran. He noted that Netanyahu is focused on addressing the United Nations, unaffected by Mamdani’s remarks. Danon remarked that when Netanyahu arrives in New York, Mamdani can merely attend and listen to the Prime Minister’s speech at the U.N.
Emma Bussey, a breaking news writer at Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. Previously, she worked for The Telegraph on various desks, covering foreign, politics, news, sport, and culture for the U.S. overnight team.