Israeli ambassador calls for New York Mayor Mamdani's arrest over 'collaborating with enemies' of the US

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon used a press conference Thursday to call for the arrest of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of "collaborating with the enemy of the United States" and stoking antisemitic unrest ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to New York next week. Danon's remarks came in response to a reporter's question about Netanyahu's planned address to the UN General Assembly next Wednesday. The dispute has been simmering since July, when Mamdani explored whether ICC warrants could provide a legal basis for detaining Netanyahu.

Mamdani on Wednesday walked back months of fiery rhetoric, saying he has no plans to attend any protest and has 'never encouraged' New Yorkers to demonstrate against Netanyahu.

Danon told reporters Netanyahu 'will proudly address the General Assembly despite threats, incitement and antisemitic rhetoric' from the mayor.

The socialist mayor made arresting Netanyahu a central campaign pledge during his 2025 mayoral run, but his office has conceded it lacks the legal authority to act.