Netanyahu accuses NYC's Mamdani of 'fomenting hate' after arrest threat
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of fomenting hate following the mayor's previous threats to arrest him. Netanyahu, who plans to visit the US for meetings with President Trump, dismissed the threats while highlighting concerns over recent hate crimes in New York.
Why it matters
The rhetoric highlights the growing political tension between international leaders and local US officials regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images By Kayla Epstein Reporting from New York Published 27 July 2026, 01:27 BST Updated 2 hours ago Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he plans to attend the UN General Assembly in New York City this autumn, despite the city's mayor, Zohran Mamdani, making threats to arrest him.
Mamdani walked back that threat last week, acknowledging he lacked the legal power to arrest Netanyahu on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, the world's top war-crimes court.
The Israeli leader, who flies to the US on Monday on a different visit, told Fox News on Sunday that he was "not concerned" about Mamdani's previous pledge and accused the mayor of "fomenting hate".
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