Mamdani Demands Netanyahu’s Arrest, Accuses Him of “Genocide” Before UN Address

Mamdani Demands Netanyahu’s Arrest, Accuses Him of “Genocide” Before UN Address

By TheNATIONWEEK.com News Desk | September 24, 2026

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has renewed his demand for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in New York this week, labeling him a “war criminal” and an “architect of genocide” against Palestinians. Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly, a visit that has amplified tensions and rhetoric.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with President Trump at Gracie Mansion, Mamdani asserted, “When it comes to Benjamin Netanyahu, I have described him as I believe him to be — a war criminal and an architect of genocide against the Palestinian people.” He emphasized the importance of international accountability, stating, “If the International Criminal Court deems someone worthy of arrest due to a violation of those laws, then who are we to say that anyone should be above that? Everyone should be held accountable.”

Mamdani’s current statements come amidst a perceived attempt to retract earlier remarks from July, where he urged public protests should Netanyahu not be arrested during his UN visit. He now claims to have never issued such a call to action. Despite his public stance, Mamdani has acknowledged that as mayor, he lacks the authority to order the arrest of a foreign head of state, a point he conceded despite prior campaign pledges.

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticized Mamdani’s stance, remarking on the mayor’s “cleverness” but asserting, “You cannot set the fire, then say this,” implying a disingenuous attempt to distance himself from previous calls for protest.

In a scathing video response posted on social media, Prime Minister Netanyahu directly addressed Mamdani. “Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani. Shame on you for supporting the Hamas terrorists who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews,” Netanyahu declared. He vowed to “tell the truth” about Israeli soldiers and Mamdani himself during his UN address. “I’m coming to the UN. I’m going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I’m going to tell the truth about you.”

The escalating verbal exchange highlights the deep divisions and intense political climate surrounding Netanyahu’s visit, with both sides intensifying their accusations and justifications ahead of the high-profile UN General Assembly.