Netanyahu Accuses NYC Mayor Mamdani of Backing Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah
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Netanyahu Accuses NYC Mayor Mamdani of Backing Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah

By Editorial TeamJul 31, 2026 · 1:49 PM3 min read
AI-generated representative image. New York City Hall, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration would handle any ICC warrant enforcement regarding Israeli Pr
Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Escalating public feud over ICC arrest warrant deepens as Israeli PM slams NYC mayor on Fox News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his public criticism of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing the mayor of backing Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah during a Fox News interview this week. The escalating feud centers on Mamdani's stated willingness to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu, issued in 2024 over Israel's military campaign in Gaza, should the Israeli leader enter the city.

The public clash reflects a broader shift in American political discourse on Israel. Mamdani's mayoral victory was widely interpreted as evidence that vocal criticism of Israeli government policies no longer poses an automatic electoral liability, even in a city with one of the world's largest Jewish communities. The exchange also highlights ongoing divisions within both major US political parties over American foreign policy toward Israel and Iran.

Escalating Exchange Between Netanyahu and Mamdani

Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Netanyahu characterized Iran as a mortal enemy of both Israel and the United States and positioned Israeli forces as standing "in the breach with the United States." He then directly challenged Mamdani's stance: "And what is he supporting? Iran. Who is he supporting? Hamas. Who is he supporting? Hezbollah."

Netanyahu further accused Mamdani and other critics of Israel of "moral cynicism" and "absurdity," framing the mayor's position as vilifying a key American ally. Mamdani has previously stated his administration would seek to enforce the ICC warrant if presented with the opportunity.

ICC Warrant and Shifting US Public Opinion

The International Criminal Court issued its arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024, stemming from Israel's military operations in Gaza. The warrant has become a flashpoint in international diplomacy and domestic American politics. A recent Economist/YouGov poll found that 47% of US respondents believe Netanyahu committed war crimes in Gaza, and 49% support enforcing the ICC warrant if he enters the United States.

Netanyahu's government has expanded military operations in Gaza and Lebanon while lobbying Washington to join an air campaign against Iran. President Donald Trump's decision to attack Iran has fueled divisions within the MAGA movement, with prominent allies including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly breaking with the president over the issue.

Regional Alliances and Political Alignments

Iran, Hamas, and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement form what Tehran describes as the regional "axis of resistance," an alliance opposed to Israel and its influence in the Middle East. Netanyahu's accusations against Mamdani draw a direct line between the mayor's criticism of Israeli policy and support for this alliance.

Mamdani, regarded as a rising figure in the Democratic Party, has become a symbol of changing political calculations around Israel in American electoral politics. The Israeli government has long equated criticism of its policies with anti-Semitism, a position that has faced growing pushback as military operations have expanded.

What Comes Next

The public feud between Netanyahu and Mamdani shows no signs of resolution. The ICC warrant remains active, and Mamdani's administration has not withdrawn its stated intention to enforce it. Meanwhile, Netanyahu continues to use international media appearances to challenge critics of Israeli policy, particularly those holding elected office in the United States. Further exchanges are likely as both figures maintain their respective positions.

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