Mayor Mamdani Reacts to Netanyahu’s UN Speech

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared his thoughts with podcaster Theo Von about being mentioned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly last month. Mamdani described it as “strange,” noting that he was in a meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister at an LGBTQ center in Manhattan when he learned about Netanyahu’s comments.

During his address, Netanyahu directly criticized Mamdani, accusing him of spreading “lies” about Israel and of attempting to silence him in the city. “So, to all those spreading these lies about my country and our brave soldiers…I say this: Shame on you,” Netanyahu stated, pointing specifically to Mamdani and declaring that he distorted the truth.

Interestingly, Mamdani had previously claimed during his campaign that he would have arrested Netanyahu if he came to New York, and even urged the federal government to act on an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court concerning alleged war crimes. This warrant was issued in November 2024, but Netanyahu and his government dismissed the accusations and the court’s legitimacy.

Von questioned Mamdani about his earlier remarks, asking if he truly would have arrested Netanyahu. Mamdani responded, “If I had my say, the U.S. government would have joined the ICC, honored every single warrant that they’ve issued.” This perspective highlights a potentially complex stance on international law and accountability.

The conversation turned back to Netanyahu’s comments, with Von noting how bizarre it was for Netanyahu to specifically mention Mamdani. Mamdani responded by suggesting that the prime minister’s tactics were merely attempts to divert attention from his own actions and responsibilities. “It’s not about me and him,” he remarked. “It’s about the fact that he’s the architect of a genocide.” In his view, Netanyahu’s focus on personal disputes was a way to avoid addressing much larger issues.

This exchange opens up broader discussions on leadership, accountability, and the intricate dynamics of international politics. It’s fascinating—if not a bit unsettling—to see how personal narratives can intertwine with such significant global matters.