Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office responded sharply on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's statement that his administration was considering enforcing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu during an anticipated visit to the city.

The prime minister's office dismissed the ICC warrant as "bogus," noting it was issued by former ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan shortly before allegations of sexual misconduct against Khan became public. They described the ICC as a "kangaroo court" lacking jurisdiction over Americans or Israelis. The office further accused Mamdani of attacking the Jewish state to distract from the damage his policies have caused in New York.

"Instead of backing Khan's criminal behaviour, Mr. Mamdani should focus on fixing the damage his policies have caused New York," the statement said. It added that under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel has taken unprecedented wartime measures to minimize civilian harm while confronting Hamas, described as a genocidal terrorist group using Palestinians as human shields.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also criticized Mamdani, calling him a "communist, antisemitic mayor trying to make news for his own audience."

The dispute highlights tensions surrounding the ICC's actions and the political dynamics between Israeli leadership and U.S. local officials.

Sources