Netanyahu to NYC Mayor: Shame on You for Supporting Hamas

Netanyahu versus Mamdani (Photo: Prime Minister's Office)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a blistering response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday, after the mayor branded him a "war criminal" and "architect of the horrific genocide of the Palestinian people." The exchange comes as Netanyahu prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

"Shame on you, Mamdani, for supporting the terror monster of Hamas that massacred our people," Netanyahu fired back. "Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews. I'm coming to the UN, I'm going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I'm coming to expose the truth about you."

Mamdani's attacks on the Israeli prime minister are nothing new. Last July, he called on New Yorkers opposed to Netanyahu to exercise their right to protest during his visit to the city. "One of the foundations of our city is protest," he said at the time.

In an interview with CNN shortly after meeting with President Donald Trump, the mayor doubled down on his harsh stance. "When it comes to Benjamin Netanyahu, I described him as I believe he is --- a war criminal and architect of a terrible genocide against the Palestinian people," he said. However, he clarified that he lacks the legal authority to arrest the Israeli prime minister during his visit to the city.

Mamdani with Satmar activists (Photo: Lantchevsky Brothers)

Mamdani also addressed the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. "If the International Criminal Court determines that someone deserves to be arrested for violating these laws, who are we to say that someone should be above that?" he asked. "And I think it's very clear that everyone should be held accountable," he added.

In a separate development, nine months after taking office as New York City mayor, Mamdani still has not received federal security clearance. The ongoing delay limits his ability to receive briefings on classified information regarding terror threats and security risks facing the city. The situation becomes even more sensitive against the backdrop of the opening of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

Netanyahu emphasized that he intends to speak at the UN and present Israel's position, while directly addressing the mayor's accusations. The remarks come amid repeated statements by Mamdani against Netanyahu and Israel.