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Israel’s Ambassador to U.N. Lashes Out at Mamdani Over Netanyahu Arrest Threats
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, dismissed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s consideration of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his U.N. visit as an “empty threat” lacking legal basis.
- Mayor Mamdani had pledged during his mayoral campaign to arrest Netanyahu based on a 2024 International Criminal Court warrant accusing him of war crimes related to the Gaza conflict following the October 2023 Hamas attack.
- The ICC warrant alleges Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant intentionally deprived Gaza’s population of essential supplies, accusations both have denied.
- Mamdani stated he is consulting with the city’s Law Department to determine if he has the authority to arrest Netanyahu under New York City law but emphasized he will act only within legal limits.
- The dispute highlights tensions surrounding the ICC warrant and the political theater around Netanyahu’s annual U.N. General Assembly visit.
