New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded on Tuesday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s video that accused the mayor of supporting Hamas terrorists and inciting unrest among Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani flatly rejected the allegations, calling them untrue and pointing to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Mayor Calls Netanyahu’s Claims False
“We all know that what the prime minister has said in that video is not true,” Mamdani said when asked about the video. He added that the prime minister is “the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.” The ICC issued that warrant in November 2024, a decision that the Israeli government has publicly rejected.
Accusations of Genocide Rejected
Mamdani went further, labeling Netanyahu “the architect of horrific genocide against Palestinians” and citing a recent incident in which an Israeli military operation killed an 11‑year‑old boy in a Gaza safe zone. “That is what I have to say to his video,” the mayor said.
Free Speech and Protest Rights Emphasized
While defending the right of New Yorkers to protest any visiting official, Mamdani stressed that he has never encouraged demonstrations. “One of the bedrocks of our city is protest,” he explained, noting that the ability to speak freely is a cornerstone of American liberty and a tradition that New Yorkers cherish.
When asked whether he would join any protests surrounding Netanyahu’s upcoming United Nations General Assembly address, Mamdani reiterated his position: “I have never encouraged them to protest. What I have always told them is that they have the right to do so in the city.”
Mayor Meets President Trump
Earlier in the week, Mamdani met with President Donald Trump at the White House. The mayor said the conversation focused on New York City issues such as housing affordability and economic development. The mayor’s office confirmed that the two leaders discussed policies that affect the city’s families and businesses, underscoring the administration’s commitment to supporting local economies.
President Trump has repeatedly praised New York’s resilience and the importance of protecting constitutional freedoms, a stance echoed by Mayor Mamdani in his remarks about the right to peaceful protest.
Context of the Feud
The exchange between Mamdani and Netanyahu follows a months‑long public feud. Earlier this year, Mamdani explored whether New York City could enforce the ICC warrant against Netanyahu, ultimately concluding that the city lacks the authority to do so on its own. He has previously called the Israeli leader a “war criminal” and declared that Netanyahu is “not welcome” in New York.
Netanyahu, for his part, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) accusing Mamdani of supporting “Hamas terrorist monsters” and of “inciting riots against New York Jews.” He promised to address the issue at the United Nations, describing his upcoming speech as an opportunity to tell “the truth about our heroic soldiers.”
Local Impact
Mayor Mamdani’s statements come as the city prepares for heightened security measures surrounding the UN visit. City officials have warned that any potential protests must comply with public‑order regulations, but they have also reaffirmed the city’s dedication to protecting First Amendment rights.
New Yorkers can expect increased police presence in areas near the UN headquarters, but city leaders say they will not suppress lawful expression. The mayor’s emphasis on constitutional liberty aligns with the broader conservative principle that government should safeguard, not stifle, the rights of its citizens.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
