Former Israeli consul general in Houston Gilad Katz said Sunday morning that New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's threat to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 'deranged,' and that Mamdani is failing as mayor, focusing on radical ideas rather than managing the city. Katz, speaking to Channel 14, said New York is in its worst state in 20-30 years.
Former Israeli consul general in Houston Gilad Katz on Sunday morning added his voice to the chorus of Israeli officials rejecting New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's threat to have Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested upon his expected arrival in the US. In an interview with Channel 14, Katz called Mamdani's remarks 'deranged' and said the mayor is failing in his duties, managing New York through a period Katz described as its worst in 20–30 years.
The reaction follows two days of escalating responses from Israeli and American officials. As The Zioneer reported Saturday evening at 20:51 Jerusalem, Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis and UN Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed Mamdani's threat, with Danon stating that if anyone should be arrested, it is Mamdani. Earlier, on Sunday at 00:01 Jerusalem, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz called the threat 'pure political theater.'
Mamdani, a progressive candidate for mayor, has repeatedly stated that he considers Netanyahu a war criminal and would use his legal authority to pursue an arrest. Israeli officials have uniformly rejected the move, arguing that Mamdani lacks the jurisdiction and that the city faces more pressing issues.
- StrongWaltz details four reasons Mamdani cannot arrest Netanyahu in New York
- StrongIsraeli officials dismiss Mamdani's arrest threat against Netanyahu; Danon says he should be arrested
- DevelopingIsrael's NYC consul general warns Mamdani's incitement 'will end in very bad, violent acts'
- StrongNYC Mayor Mamdani: Netanyahu is a 'war criminal,' should be in The Hague — but no new laws
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