Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon Brands New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani a 'Dangerous Leader' Amid UN General Assembly Dispute

During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon spoke to press, captured by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images. Danny Danon labeled New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani a "dangerous leader," alleging that the mayor condemned Israel’s elimination of Hamas operatives.

"If you condemn the elimination of terrorists who took part in the atrocities of October 7th, you endorse Hamas," Danon stated while speaking to CNN’s Jim Sciutto. His comments echoed earlier remarks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who published a video accusing Mamdani of supporting Hamas and "inciting riots against New York Jews." Netanyahu further declared his intention to come to the UN "to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I’m going to tell the truth about you."

In response, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani denied the accusations during a news conference, stating, "What we do know to actually be the truth when it comes to the prime minister is that he is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. And as the prime minister, is the architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians." Additional reporting for this story was contributed by CNN’s Gloria Pazmino.