Mamdani to Netanyahu: UN speech reaction – repeated baseless lies

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations (UN) 81st General Assembly, addressed the local press in New York.

Mamdani said that Netanyahu used the UN General Assembly podium, in his own words, “to repeat baseless lies aimed at inciting genocide against Palestinians.” Mamdani maintained that Netanyahu’s statements would not alter the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Mamdani,No lie alters the fact that the UCM’s detention decision is the addressee of the allegation that he committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.used his allegations.

Olive Tree Sharing from Mamdani

Mamdani also made a post from his social media account while Netanyahu was speaking at the UN General Assembly. Mamdani said that he had planted an olive tree in the garden of the New York City Hall residence, Gracie Mansion, together with Palestinian families coming from Gaza,“May peace be our future”shared the message.

The post included images of Mamdani planting an olive sapling with a Palestinian family and later having dinner with the family.

UCM's Arrest Decision Regarding Netanyahu

UCM had issued an arrest decision in November 2024 against Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

Mamdani also, in July, noted that the city of New York does not have independent arrest authority, and called on U.S. federal authorities to implement UCM's decision.

The Hall Was Empty During Netanyahu's Speech

During Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly, a large number of country representatives left the hall. While continuing his speech in the emptied hall, Netanyahu criticized the departing delegates with harsh remarks. The incident became one of the standout images of Netanyahu's speech.

Netanyahu also continued his criticisms of Mamdani in his speech. The mutual statements between Netanyahu and Mamdani before the UN visit had brought the political tension between the two figures to the forefront.