Netanyahu Slams New York Mayor Over Hamas Support Claims

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp rebuke Tuesday to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, after Adams called Netanyahu a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide of Palestinians." The exchange occurred ahead of Netanyahu's expected arrival in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

"Shame on you, Adams, for supporting the Hamas terror monster that slaughtered our people," Netanyahu stated in a forceful response. "Shame on you for inciting riots against New York's Jews. I am coming to the UN to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I am coming to expose the truth about you."

Adams' critical remarks toward the Israeli leader are not new. In July, he encouraged New Yorkers opposed to Netanyahu to exercise their right to protest during his visit. "One of the foundations of our city is protest," Adams said at the time.

In a CNN interview, Adams reiterated his stance, describing Netanyahu as a "war criminal and architect of a terrible genocide against the Palestinian people." However, he acknowledged lacking the legal authority to arrest the Israeli prime minister during his visit. Adams also commented on the International Criminal Court in The Hague, questioning why anyone should be exempt from arrest if the court deems them liable for violating laws.

Adams, nine months into his term as mayor, has yet to receive federal security clearance, limiting his access to classified information on terror threats and security risks facing the city. This situation is particularly sensitive with the opening of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Netanyahu intends to address the UN, presenting Israel's position and directly confronting Adams' accusations.