Netanyahu accuses Mamdani of siding with terrorists, defies threats to arrest him in NYC

“He’s with the terror actors” – Israel’s prime minister accuses New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani of serving as an apologist for the Iranian regime.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of siding with terrorist forces while dismissing the mayor’s repeated pledge to have him arrested if he visits the city.

Netanyahu made the remarks Monday during an interview with New York radio host Sid Rosenberg on 77 WABC as he discussed Israel’s conflicts with Iran and its regional proxies, his relationship with President Donald Trump and the prospect of returning to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

The Israeli leader accused Mamdani of making excuses for Iran, whose government has supported Hamas, Hezbollah and other armed groups opposed to Israel’s existence.

“He basically apologizes and makes excuses for Iran, the greatest terror regime on earth,” Netanyahu said. “So he’s with the terror actors.”

Netanyahu argued that Mamdani had aligned himself against Israel despite the country’s role as a US ally and a military opponent of Iran and Islamist organizations in the Middle East.

He also warned that hostility toward Israel would ultimately translate into hostility toward the United States, saying those who hate Jews and Israel eventually turn against America.

The comments marked Netanyahu’s latest confrontation with Mamdani, a democratic socialist and outspoken critic of the State of Israel who became mayor of New York in January.

Mamdani has repeatedly said that New York authorities should arrest Netanyahu if he enters the city, citing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in November 2024.

“This is something that I intend to fulfill,” Mamdani said during the 2025 mayoral campaign, describing New York as “a city that stands up for international law.”

The ICC accused Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The allegations include using starvation as a method of warfare and responsibility for murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.

Netanyahu and the Israeli government have rejected the accusations, denied that the ICC has jurisdiction over Israeli officials and described the warrant as politically motivated.

The United States is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize the court’s authority over American or Israeli citizens. US law also restricts state and local governments from cooperating with the court, creating serious legal obstacles to any attempt by New York City authorities to carry out the warrant.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in December that Mamdani did not possess the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu.

“The New York City mayor does not have the power to do that,” Hochul said.

Netanyahu has made clear that the arrest threat will not prevent him from traveling to New York, where Israeli prime ministers traditionally address the UN General Assembly each September.

Asked at a New York Times event in December whether he would still visit the city, Netanyahu answered, “Yes, of course I will.”

As for whether he intended to test Mamdani’s threat, Netanyahu replied, “Wait and see,” before repeating that he would come to New York.

During a White House appearance in July 2025, Netanyahu also dismissed Mamdani’s proposal as “silly” and suggested he could travel to New York alongside Trump.

Trump said at the time that Netanyahu would be protected and warned Mamdani that he would face “big problems” if he attempted to interfere with the Israeli leader’s visit.

Mamdani has maintained that Netanyahu should be treated in the same manner as any other foreign leader facing an ICC warrant. He has described Israel’s conduct in Gaza as “genocide” and has called for an end to US military assistance to the Israeli government.

Mamdani’s office did not immediately issue a public response to Netanyahu’s latest accusation.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, indicated that he intends to remain active in Israeli politics and continue traveling internationally despite the ICC warrant and Mamdani’s arrest pledge.

“I intend to be around,” he said.

Benjamin NetanyahuNew York CityZohran Mamdani