Netanyahu accuses Mamdani of ‘fomenting hate’ in calls for PM’s arrest
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of inciting hatred after the mayor suggested Netanyahu should be arrested for war crimes. Netanyahu dismissed the ICC's charges as 'bogus' and confirmed his intent to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing diplomatic tension between international legal bodies and national leaders, as well as the polarization of US domestic politics regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in Jerusalem during a press conference, amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, on 19 March 2026. Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in Jerusalem during a press conference, amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, on 19 March 2026. US news Netanyahu accuses Mamdani of ‘fomenting hate’ in calls for PM’s arrest Israeli prime minister says ICC’s war crime charges are ‘bogus’ and plans to be in New York for UN gathering this fall
Prefer the Guardian on Google Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Zohran Mamdani , the New York City mayor, is “fomenting hate” by calling the Israeli prime minister a war criminal who should be arrested over Israel ’s war in Gaza if he visits the city for the United Nations general assembly.
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