The Israeli ambassador to the United Nations criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “clown” for demanding federal authorities arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when Netanyahu visits the city. The remarks were made amid heightened tensions over Netanyahu’s scheduled address to the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan in September.
Mamdani had previously labeled Netanyahu a “war criminal” and the “architect of a horrific genocide” against Palestinians, urging the federal government to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the Israeli leader. He also accused Netanyahu of targeting hospitals, blocking humanitarian aid, and causing extensive civilian casualties.
The ambassador dismissed Mamdani’s comments as a political stunt, arguing that mayors should focus on local issues such as homelessness and public safety rather than foreign policy. Danon emphasized that the United States is not a party to the ICC and that no enforceable warrant exists for Netanyahu within the country
