Netanyahu Fact-Checked on Fox News After Attacking New York Mayor

General9 sourcesSep 23, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 59/100

The Story

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was fact-checked on Fox News Wednesday after attacking New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Netanyahu released a video Tuesday condemning Mamdani, vowing to expose him for “inciting violence” against Jewish Americans. He stated, “Shame on you Mr. Mamdani! Shame on you for inciting violence against New York Jews! I'm coming to the U.N., I'm gonna tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I'm gonna tell the truth about you!”

Mamdani responded Tuesday, stating, “We all know that what the prime minister has said in that video is not true.” Mamdani added that Netanyahu is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, and called him the “architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians.” Mamdani on Monday renewed his demand for Netanyahu's arrest in a CNN interview, acknowledging he lacked the authority to carry out the warrant but said it should be “honored.”

He had pledged during his mayoral campaign last year to seek Netanyahu's arrest if he visited, but admitted in July the city could not legally do so. Netanyahu is set to arrive in New York City on Thursday for the UN General Assembly, where he is expected to defend his actions in Iran and Gaza.

He shortened his visit, staying only a few hours before flying out Thursday evening, amid fears of protests. Mass demonstrations are planned against Netanyahu on Thursday outside the UN headquarters, organized by groups including the Palestinian Youth Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Democratic Socialists of America. Taher Dahleh of the Palestinian Youth Movement said Netanyahu is attempting to “insult and demean the international system.”

Mamdani has repeatedly stated Hamas is a “terrorist organization” that committed a “horrific war crime” on Oct. 7, 2023. Dahleh stated Netanyahu has presided over “three years of genocide and spiraling regional war,” with conservative estimates of at least 75,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza.

What they agree on

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video Tuesday condemning New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Netanyahu accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas and inciting violence against Jewish Americans.
Mamdani responded by calling Netanyahu's statements untrue and referencing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday in New York City.
Mass demonstrations are planned against Netanyahu outside the UN headquarters on Thursday.

Where they split

Raw Story emphasizes the fact-check of Netanyahu on Fox News, while The Canary frames Mamdani's response as a "withering put-down" to a "coward Netanyahu."
Truthout and Middle East Eye focus on Netanyahu shortening his visit due to anticipated protests and the planned mass demonstration.
The Jerusalem Post and Jewish Telegraphic Agency highlight Netanyahu's intention to confront Mamdani's call for his arrest in his UN address.
Independent sources like Truthout and The Canary include claims about Netanyahu presiding over a "genocide" in Gaza and being a "wanted war criminal," while US major and international outlets focus on the direct exchange of accusations.