Backlash Against NYC Mayor for Netanyahu Arrest Comments
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani (D) is under fire for his repeated calls for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One unexpected critic is Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma.
In a post on X, Kuzma shared his thoughts on the mayor’s remarks made last week. He referenced Mamdani’s statement that Netanyahu should face arrest as the “author of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.” In the video, Mamdani expressed his alignment with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding Netanyahu’s supposed crimes.
Reflecting on his earlier commitments, Mamdani stated in a recent New York Times interview that he would pursue the ICC’s arrest warrant if Netanyahu visited New York City, which is planned during the United Nations General Assembly in September. However, he acknowledged the NYPD does not hold the legal authority to enforce such warrants.
Kuzma commented on this by saying, “This is 2026. People cosplaying as something they don’t actually have the authority, talent, or track record to be. Just for the content.” He went on to label Mamdani a “presidential mayor.” His concerns seemed to echo a larger sentiment that society is shifting focus towards appearances over substantive effort.
Following the backlash, Kuzma noted the personal attacks he’d received for voicing his criticism, mentioning that people often respond defensively when opinions clash. He felt it was unfair that he was labeled as a Zionist for merely pointing out the realities of the situation.
In contrast, NBA star Victor Wembanyama showed support by liking a video posted on Mamdani’s official Instagram account. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump weighed in, asserting that Netanyahu would not be arrested during his time in the United States.
The ICC, based in the Netherlands, has issued a warrant accusing Netanyahu of war crimes, including severe offenses like using starvation as a method of warfare. Notably, the United States has not ratified the Rome Statute that established the ICC and thus is not required to enforce these warrants.
