Netanyahu Dismisses NYC Mayoral Threat to Arrest Him

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani's pledge to arrest him if he visits the city as "silly" and not serious, indicating he is not concerned and plans to visit New York with President Donald Trump. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, based his pledge on the International Criminal Court's warrant accusing Netanyahu of war crimes related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, although the U.S. is not a party to the ICC. President Trump labeled Mamdani a "communist," criticized his past statements, and warned him to "behave" if elected, while also assuring Netanyahu he would be protected. Netanyahu questioned the assumption Mamdani will win the mayoral race and expressed skepticism about his candidacy. The exchange highlights tensions between the Israeli leader, the progressive mayoral candidate, and the Trump administration amid ongoing efforts for ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Public opinion in New York remains divided on enforcing the ICC warrant against Netanyahu, with many voters opposing Mamdani's pledge.