‘Evil Anti-Semite!’ Mamdani Ignites MAGA Firestorm – and Draws Liberal Praise – With New Netanyahu Arrest Demand

What the report says

Mediaite reported that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani set off a sharp political backlash Tuesday after posting a social media video urging the federal government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he comes to the United States. Mamdani said his administration reviewed whether New York City could act on the International Criminal Court’s warrant for Netanyahu but determined the city lacks independent authority to enforce it. He argued that the federal government could act by joining the ICC and carrying out the warrant.

According to the report, Mamdani also said Netanyahu was not welcome in New York City and described him as a war criminal who should be sent to The Hague. Mediaite noted that Netanyahu is expected in New York in September for the United Nations General Assembly. The ICC issued a warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza, but the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

The remarks drew intense condemnation from Trump allies and pro-Israel figures. Mediaite cited responses from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Rep. Mike Lawler, Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon, Rep. Randy Fine and others, several of whom accused Mamdani of antisemitism or political theater. Some responses included anti-Muslim or otherwise inflammatory attacks.

The same video also won praise from some left-leaning commentators, including Mehdi Hasan, Adam Mockler and Taylor Lorenz, who framed Mamdani’s statement as moral clarity. Mediaite added that President Donald Trump recently said Netanyahu would not be arrested in the U.S., while Netanyahu said he was not worried about that prospect.