New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reiterated his critical stance toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shortly after his meeting with US President Donald Trump in New York.
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In an interview with CNN, Mamdani described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and declared that he must be held accountable for the war in Gaza.
“As for Benjamin Netanyahu, I have described him as I believe he is, a war criminal and the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people,” Mamdani said.
During the conversation with Trump at Gracie Mansion, according to the mayor, the issue of Netanyahu was also discussed. Mamdani had said for months that he would arrest the Israeli prime minister if he visited New York, but has now acknowledged that he does not have the legal authority to take such an action.
Speaking about the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu, he stressed that the decision must be respected.
“I believe this must be respected, because what we want to see – and what we talked about today – is loyalty to our policy and to accountability,” he said.
“If the International Criminal Court considers someone worthy of arrest for violating these laws, then who are we to say that anyone can be above them? I clearly believe that everyone must be held responsible,” Mamdani added.
Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to deliver a speech on Thursday at the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting between Trump and Mamdani was seen as unexpected, due to the sharp political contrasts the two politicians had previously shown.
Among the topics discussed were immigration policies and a housing program for New York worth several billion dollars.
Trump showed a positive attitude toward the city’s new mayor. During a press conference, he said he hoped Mamdani would become an “excellent mayor” and that he had gotten off to a good start.
Mamdani, on the other hand, said he appreciated the US president’s commitment to New York, despite their disagreements.
“We appreciate the president’s commitment to the city. We have both spoken about very different approaches and beliefs, but I will continue to have conversations with the president and, honestly, with anyone who can bring relief to the residents of this city,” he said.
