New York City:US Sen. Chris Van Hollen has strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for releasing a video that attacks New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. This criticism comes ahead of Netanyahu's planned address to the UN General Assembly.

According to Anadolu Agency, Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, accused Netanyahu of making false statements. He also criticized Netanyahu for Israel's conduct in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, calling Netanyahu "a chronic liar" and asserting that the Israeli leader is "a wanted war criminal" due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC had issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging their responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. Israel, however, rejects the court's jurisdiction and the allegations.

Van Hollen further accused Netanyahu's government of failing to provide accountability for American citizens killed in the West Bank, attributing these deaths to violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces.

He also noted that Netanyahu faces restrictions on entering some countries because of the ICC warrant and mentioned that Netanyahu was fortunate to be allowed entry into the United States. Van Hollen emphasized that these privileges do not erase Netanyahu's alleged lies or war crimes.

Netanyahu's video accused Mamdani of supporting the Palestinian group Hamas and inciting violence against Jewish New Yorkers. Netanyahu stated that he plans to address Mamdani's criticism and defend Israel's military actions during his upcoming UN speech.