Netanyahu Compares New York Mayor to ICC Prosecutor, Affirms He Will Attend UN in New York

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded sharply to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's threat to arrest him upon his planned arrival in New York for the UN General Assembly. Netanyahu dismissed the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him as illegitimate, calling it a "kangaroo court" order issued by former ICC prosecutor Karim Khan shortly before sexual assault allegations against Khan became public. Netanyahu accused Khan of attempting to divert public attention and evade criticism.

In his official statement, Netanyahu defended Israel's military actions in Gaza, emphasizing unprecedented measures taken to minimize civilian harm while combating Hamas, which he described as a genocidal terrorist organization using Palestinians as human shields and deliberately targeting Israeli civilians. He criticized Mamdani for supporting Khan's "criminal behavior" and urged the mayor to focus on repairing the damage his policies have caused New York.

Netanyahu concluded by likening Mamdani to Karim Khan, suggesting both seek to distract from their own failures by attacking Israel's leader and the region's only democracy. He firmly rejected any threats regarding his arrival in New York, confirming he will attend the UN assembly as planned.