Netanyahu Dismisses ICC Charges as ‘Bogus,’ Defends Plan to Address UN Despite NYC Mayor’s Opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected accusations from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani that he is a war criminal, calling the municipal leader’s statements divisive and describing the International Criminal Court’s charges against him as baseless. Speaking Sunday on Fox News, Netanyahu said Mamdani’s rhetoric was intended to pit one group of New Yorkers against another, arguing that the mayor should represent all residents regardless of faith or background.

Netanyahu confirmed his intention to travel to New York in September to deliver remarks before the United Nations General Assembly, proceeding with plans despite Mamdani’s public assertion that he would not be welcome in the city. Last week, Mamdani acknowledged that New York City lacked legal authority to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court but urged federal authorities to pursue such action.

The Israeli leader characterized the ICC’s case against him as a distraction tactic, pointing to recent sexual misconduct allegations against the court’s chief prosecutor, who was removed from his position Friday. Netanyahu expressed concern that traditional bipartisan American support for Israel faces erosion as progressive Democratic lawmakers distance themselves from the party’s mainstream position on the Middle East conflict.

Netanyahu also highlighted what he described as a troubling rise in antisemitic sentiment across Western nations, noting that Jewish residents of New York City—home to the world’s second-largest Jewish population—expressed feeling unsafe and unwelcome in their communities.

Mamdani reiterated in a video statement last week that Netanyahu and any other individual facing war crimes allegations should not enter New York City, while pledging that municipal authorities would respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest regarding the issue.

The Hague-based court has charged Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and deceased Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar with crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. According to Palestinian health officials, more than 73,000 people have died in the offensive, with approximately half being women and children, while the initial October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel resulted in roughly 1,200 deaths.

Former President Donald Trump pledged Monday via social media that Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form” while in the United States. Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington this week for meetings with Trump and to attend funeral services for deceased Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, whom Netanyahu described as an “extraordinary American patriot.”