Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed a threat by New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, to arrest him if he visits the city, calling it “silly” and “not serious.” The statement came during a press interaction at the White House on July 7, 2025, during a working dinner with U.S. President Donald Trump. Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist who won the Democratic primary in June, had vowed in December 2024 to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The United States, however, is not a signatory to the ICC, rendering such a warrant unenforceable under U.S. law. Netanyahu, unfazed, expressed his intent to visit New York alongside Trump, stating, “I’m going to come there with President Trump, and we’ll see.”
Trump, standing beside Netanyahu, sharply criticized Mamdani, labeling him a “communist” and accusing him of making anti-Jewish remarks, though he provided no specific evidence. The president interjected with a lighthearted promise, saying, “I’ll get him out,” should Netanyahu face any issues in New York. Trump further warned that Mamdani “better behave” or risk consequences, including potential cuts to federal funding for New York City. The remarks reflect Trump’s ongoing attacks on Mamdani, whom he has repeatedly called a “communist” and falsely claimed is in the U.S. illegally, despite Mamdani being a naturalized U.S. citizen since 2018. Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, has faced scrutiny for his vocal support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel, including his refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and his defense of the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many Jewish New Yorkers find alarming.
Mamdani’s pledge to arrest Netanyahu has sparked significant controversy, with some X posts praising his stance as bold and others condemning it as antisemitic posturing. The 33-year-old New York State Assemblyman, who could become the city’s first Muslim mayor if elected in November, has positioned himself as a progressive advocate for tenants’ rights and affordable housing. However, his foreign policy views, particularly on Israel, have drawn intense criticism from pro-Israel groups and political opponents. During his campaign, Mamdani secured endorsements from anti-Zionist groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, though he also vowed in his victory speech to engage with those who disagree with him, emphasizing his commitment to serve all New Yorkers.
Netanyahu’s dismissal of the threat aligns with his broader focus on Israel’s security, as he reiterated concerns about a Palestinian state posing an existential threat to Israel, citing Hamas’s actions in Gaza. The exchange occurred during a U.S. visit where Netanyahu and Trump discussed Gaza ceasefire talks and the Abraham Accords. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s campaign continues to face challenges, including Islamophobic attacks and questions about his citizenship, which he has dismissed as distractions from his policy priorities. As the November election approaches, the clash underscores the polarized nature of New York’s mayoral race and its intersection with international politics.
