New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal" in a TikTok video and said he supports an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. He attributed more than 73,000 deaths and widespread civilian harm to Israeli actions and cited recent UN findings about harm to Palestinian children. Mamdani said New York City lacks authority to enforce an ICC warrant and urged the federal government to act, declaring Netanyahu "not welcome" in the city.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Calls Benjamin Netanyahu a 'War Criminal,' Urges Federal Action on ICC Warrant
Zohran Mamdani, Benjamin Netanyahu
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal" in a short video posted to TikTok, saying he agrees with the International Criminal Court's position that Netanyahu should be arrested and tried.
Accusations and Sources Cited
"Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people," Mamdani said, adding that Netanyahu is responsible for "the killing of more than 73,000 people."
Mamdani went on to accuse Netanyahu and Israeli forces of causing widespread civilian harm, including "the maiming of tens of thousands of children, as those who survive undergo amputation without anesthesia," and targeting neonatal hospitals and maternity care centers. He also alleged that humanitarian aid has been blocked, contributing to starvation, and blamed Israeli forces for attacks on aid workers and journalists.
The mayor cited recent United Nations findings that, he said, indicate Palestinian children continue to be deliberately targeted months after a ceasefire. He framed these allegations as part of the rationale for supporting an ICC arrest warrant.
Legal Review and Limitations
Mamdani said his administration reviewed the city's legal options and concluded that New York City lacks the independent authority to execute an International Criminal Court arrest warrant if Netanyahu were to visit. He called on the federal government to take action and "join the ICC and execute this warrant."
Political Message and Moral Stance
"Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large," Mamdani said. He closed by urging residents not to allow silence to become "another weapon," and pledged to explore every available tool to defend human dignity.
Context and Attribution
These statements reflect Mayor Mamdani's official remarks and political position. The allegations and figures he cited are his characterizations and references to international reports; readers should note the difference between a public official's accusations and independently verified judicial findings.
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