Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downplayed a recent threat from Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, who vowed to have him arrested if he visits New York City. Speaking alongside former President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House on Monday, Netanyahu appeared unfazed by the bold claim.
“I’m not worried about that,” Netanyahu said when asked by reporters. “The world is already full of absurdities, and this one just adds to the list. It’s silly — truly.”
He then added with a smirk:
“I’m coming to New York with President Trump. Let’s see how that goes.”
Trump, smiling, quickly chimed in:
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
Mamdani’s Arrest Pledge Sparks Political Tensions
Last year, Mamdani told Zeteo and later confirmed to Mehdi Hasan that if elected, he would instruct New York City law enforcement to arrest Netanyahu, citing the International Criminal Court’s warrant against both the Israeli prime minister and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes.
“As mayor, Netanyahu would be arrested in New York,” Mamdani said. “This city stands for international law — our values must match our actions.”
The ICC’s warrant, issued in 2024, remains a polarizing topic in international politics and has been heavily criticized by Israeli and American officials.
Trump Slams Mamdani: “He’s a Communist”
Trump didn’t hold back in his criticism of Mamdani, who recently won the Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a stunning upset.
“He’s not just a socialist — he’s a communist,” Trump said. “He’s said horrible things about Jewish people and many others. If he becomes mayor, he better watch himself — or he’ll be facing serious consequences.”
The former president also suggested that federal aid to New York City could be reconsidered if Mamdani attempted to interfere with federal or international diplomacy under a future Trump administration.
Mamdani’s History of Criticizing Israel
Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman and self-proclaimed democratic socialist, has long been an outspoken critic of Israel and Netanyahu, particularly over Gaza and Israel’s military actions in the region.
He has publicly rejected the idea of recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, stating:
“I’m not comfortable supporting any state that creates a hierarchy of citizenship based on religion or anything else.”
New York City is home to both the largest Jewish population outside Israel — estimated at 1.3 million — and the largest Muslim community of any American city, with around 750,000 residents.
Netanyahu’s Comments on Gaza and Two-State Solution
While addressing Mamdani’s remarks, Netanyahu also responded to a separate question about the possibility of a two-state solution with the Palestinians.
“After what happened on October 7, people have seen what a Palestinian state under Hamas looks like,” he said. “They didn’t invest in peace or infrastructure — they built tunnels, planned massacres, and carried out atrocities not seen since the Holocaust.”
He continued, describing the events as one of the darkest periods in modern Jewish history.
“They slaughtered our people, raped our women, beheaded our men, and attacked our communities in ways reminiscent of World War II horrors.”
Looking Ahead: Netanyahu’s Visit and the Political Firestorm
Despite Mamdani’s pledge and mounting criticism from progressive groups, Netanyahu remains firm on his plans to visit New York City. His recent White House meeting with Trump marked his third visit in six months and comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and continued talks for a cease-fire with Hamas.
As New York prepares for a contentious mayoral election, Mamdani’s stance on Israel, international justice, and his willingness to challenge world leaders has drawn national attention — and sparked a fierce political and ideological debate about the city’s role on the global stage.
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