CNN Exclusive: Mamdani doubles down on criticism of Netanyahu, calls him a ‘war criminal’

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reiterated his strong criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, explicitly labeling him a "war criminal" during a recent CNN interview. The mayor's remarks come as Netanyahu prepares to visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani also described the Israeli leader as an "architect of a horrific genocide of the Palestinian people".

While Mamdani has consistently supported the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Netanyahu, he acknowledged that New York City does not possess the independent legal authority to enforce such a warrant. This clarification marks a change from his earlier campaign promise to potentially arrest Netanyahu if he came to the city.

In response to Mamdani's accusations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has dismissed the war crimes charges as "bogus" and accused the mayor of "fomenting hate". The ongoing dispute highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding Netanyahu's upcoming UN address and the broader debate concerning accountability for actions in Gaza.