Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has sharply criticized New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “clown” over his repeated calls to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he visits New York City for the United Nations General Assembly in September. Fetterman made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” where he dismissed Mamdani’s stance as performative and legally baseless.
“He’s such a tough guy to say that kind of thing. He has no way to do that,” Fetterman said. “America’s not even part of that corrupt court,” he added, referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024. The warrant accuses Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Israel has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction, and Netanyahu has denied the allegations.
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist representing parts of Queens, has repeatedly stated that he would seek to arrest Netanyahu if the Israeli leader travels to New York City. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Mamdani said his administration is actively exploring whether the city has the legal authority to detain Netanyahu, calling him a “war criminal” who “belongs in The Hague.” The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over U.S. citizens or Israeli officials.
Fetterman, who has emerged as one of Israel’s most vocal defenders in Congress, did not mince words in his criticism. “He’s just a clown to even say that, so he won’t try that. Just sit down and focus on other problems that they have in New York. That’s really not your purview. You and I know that. Sit down,” Fetterman said, addressing Mamdani directly. The senator’s comments reflect a broader divide within the Democratic Party over Israel policy, with Fetterman positioning himself as a staunch ally of Israel against what he sees as the progressive left’s growing hostility.
Fox News Digital previously reached out to Mamdani’s office for comment on whether he stands by calling Netanyahu a “war criminal,” whether City Hall is consulting with the Law Department on possible legal action, and whether he would direct the NYPD to arrest Netanyahu if attorneys determined the city had legal authority. The mayor’s office did not immediately respond. Mamdani has not backed down from his position, arguing that New York City has a moral obligation to uphold international law.
The ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu has drawn international attention, with the Biden administration denouncing the court’s efforts as putting a terrorist organization and a top U.S. ally on equivalent footing. The United Nations’ top court has also ordered Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah, further increasing pressure on Netanyahu’s government. Meanwhile, Netanyahu disbanded Israel’s war cabinet in June 2024 after key member Benny Gantz resigned, citing disagreements over the handling of the Gaza war.
Fetterman, who has built a reputation for crossing party lines on Israel, also discussed his bond with late South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham over their shared support for Israel. He warned that if the Democratic Party’s official platform adopts anti-Israel terms, it would force him to reconsider his affiliation. “That would force me to kind of reevaluate should I remain as a Democrat,” Fetterman said. “If we became the kind of party that would embrace someone like Hasan Piker, maybe my party doesn’t want a reasonable common sense kind of Democrat that reminds people that standing with Israel used to be part of our core values and one of the reasons why I’ve been proud to be a Democrat.”
The clash between Fetterman and Mamdani underscores the deepening rift within the Democratic Party over U.S. support for Israel, particularly as the war in Gaza continues to draw global condemnation. While Fetterman represents a more traditional pro-Israel stance, Mamdani embodies the progressive wing’s push for accountability and adherence to international law. The debate is likely to intensify as Netanyahu’s potential visit to New York approaches, with both sides digging in on their positions.
