Mazal Tazazo, a survivor of the Nova music festival terrorist attack by Hamas, has publicly criticized a video released by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in which Mamdani called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal."

In a video shared on X by radio host Jason Rantz, Tazazo described Mamdani’s comments as "dangerous." This response came one day after Mamdani accused Netanyahu of being "the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people." Mamdani expressed agreement with the International Criminal Court's position that "Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and tried for his crimes" and urged the federal government to execute an arrest warrant if Netanyahu visits New York City in September for the U.N. General Assembly.

Tazazo challenged the characterization of the conflict as genocide, stating, "What's happening there is not genocide. People died. Yes, this is a war. It's very sad. But why? Because the terrorists hide behind their people," referencing Israel Defense Forces statements that Hamas uses civilian buildings for military cover.

Mayor Mamdani had also said his administration was exploring whether New York City has the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu if he visits for the U.N. However, a New York Democrat expressed hope that Mamdani would not actually carry out any arrests following his recent comments.

Mamdani further claimed that Netanyahu is responsible for the deaths of more than 73,000 people, the maiming of tens of thousands of children, targeting of neonatal hospitals and maternity centers, and blocking food and humanitarian aid.

Sources