New York Mayor Calls Netanyahu 'War Criminal' Ahead of UN Visit

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reiterated his strong criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a "war criminal" and "architect of a horrific genocide of the Palestinian people" in a recent CNN interview. Adams' remarks come just days before Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in New York to address the United Nations General Assembly.

Adams acknowledged that despite past commitments, New York City lacks the authority to arrest Netanyahu based on an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. He stated, "New York does not have the authority to execute an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court." However, he added that if the ICC deems someone warrants arrest for violating laws, "who are we to say that someone should be above the law?"

In response to Adams' comments, Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video attacking the mayor, stating, "I am coming to the UN to fight for the truth of our heroic soldiers and to expose the truth about you!" Netanyahu is expected to deliver his address at the UN on Thursday evening.

Adams, a progressive Democrat, has previously expressed skepticism about Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. The interview and his statements about Netanyahu occurred shortly after he met with U.S. President Donald Trump at his official residence. Trump reportedly praised Adams, calling him a "great mayor" with "a lot of potential," despite their ideological differences, particularly on immigration.