Mamdani fires back at Netanyahu, calling him 'architect of horrific genocide' ahead of UN visit to New York

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026 · last updated 23 September 2026.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has intensified his confrontation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as "the architect of horrific genocide against Palestinians" in response to a video Netanyahu released accusing Mamdani of supporting Hamas and stirring up hatred toward Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani also drew attention to the ICC arrest warrant Netanyahu is subject to on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, asserting "we all know that what the prime minister has said in that video is not true." The dispute is coming to a head as Netanyahu prepares to speak at the UN General Assembly in New York within days.

Netanyahu had accused Mamdani of inciting unrest against Jewish New Yorkers and previously vowed to use his UN address to "tell the truth about" the mayor.

Mamdani drew attention to the ICC arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu in November 2024 on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity — charges Netanyahu and the Israeli government have refused to accept and are contesting.

Mamdani previously said on television that Netanyahu would face arrest should the Israeli leader set foot in the city.