Benjamin Netanyahu accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of inciting riots against Jews, escalating their dispute before the Israeli leader’s United Nations visit.
Netanyahu made the accusation in a social media video posted Tuesday, Politico reported. Mamdani responded by saying the prime minister’s charge was false.
The public clash came as Netanyahu prepared to visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani had also called for federal authorities to arrest him over alleged war crimes.
Mamdani’s position went far beyond a policy dispute. He called Netanyahu a war criminal and accused him of directing a genocide against Palestinians, claims presented as the mayor’s allegations.
One day earlier, President Donald Trump met Mamdani at Gracie Mansion. They discussed housing, public safety and working together despite their political differences.
Netanyahu directly accused Mamdani of encouraging unrest against Jewish New Yorkers. He also promised to defend Israeli soldiers during his United Nations appearance.
Netanyahu said in the video:
“Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews. I'm coming to the U.N. I'm going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I'm going to tell the truth about you,”
Mamdani rejected the accusation. He then repeated claims about an International Criminal Court warrant and Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The mayor responded:
“Well, we all know that what the prime minister said in that video is not true. What we do know to actually be the truth when it comes to the prime minister is that he is the subject of an International Criminal Court warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. And as the prime minister, he is the architect of the horrific genocide against Palestinians. And that just a few days ago, his military killed an 11-year-old boy in what is deemed to be a safe zone in Gaza. So, that is what I have to say to his video,”
The claims about genocide and the child’s death were attributed to Mamdani, not established as independent findings. No warrant text, case number or direct court document accompanied the cited coverage.
Mamdani had also appeared on CNN after meeting Trump. He again described Netanyahu as a war criminal and said he wanted federal authorities to arrest the Israeli leader.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon addressed the dispute while arriving at the United Nations. He said Mamdani should focus on running New York City rather than targeting Israel’s prime minister.
The timing sharpened the contrast around Mamdani’s priorities. He had just discussed public safety and housing with Trump, yet his fight with Netanyahu quickly took center stage as world leaders gathered in New York.
No meeting between Trump and Netanyahu had been announced during the gathering. Trump was scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later Tuesday.
A mayor can hold strong views on foreign affairs. But City Hall earns public trust by keeping its attention on the safety and daily needs of the people it serves.
