Israeli UN Ambassador Denounces NYC Mayor’s Call to Arrest Netanyahu as ‘Political Stunt’

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations launched a scathing attack Wednesday on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “clown” for his demand that federal authorities arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when the Israeli leader visits Manhattan for the UN General Assembly in September. Danny Danon’s sharp rebuke followed Mamdani’s public accusation that Netanyahu qualifies as a “war criminal” and orchestrator of genocide against Palestinians.

Mamdani released a video through the New York City Mayor’s Office on July 21 in which he asserted that Netanyahu bore responsibility for over 73,000 deaths and called on the U.S. government to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the Israeli premier. The mayor also alleged that Netanyahu targeted neonatal hospitals and maternity centers while obstructing food and humanitarian supplies to Gaza.

Danon dismissed the allegations as baseless and theatrical, telling Fox News Digital that Mamdani should focus on addressing homelessness and sanitation in New York rather than involving himself in foreign policy matters. He contended that the mayor’s primary obligation was ensuring security for New York residents, particularly the city’s Jewish community amid rising antisemitism.

The Israeli ambassador argued that the United States is not party to the International Criminal Court and that no enforceable warrant exists against Netanyahu on American soil. Danon stated that humanitarian aid flows into Gaza daily and characterized Mamdani’s statements as revival of inflammatory rhetoric contradicted by current conditions.

Mamdani acknowledged that City Hall lacks independent legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant but urged the federal government to join the international court and execute it. Netanyahu’s office has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction, dismissing it as lacking authority over Israelis or Americans.

Danon confirmed that Netanyahu intends to proceed with his General Assembly address regardless of the mayor’s opposition, inviting Mamdani to attend and listen to the speech. He noted that local officials, including former Mayor Adams, have attended Netanyahu’s UN addresses in the past.