US Senator Call Netanyahu ‘Wanted War Criminal’ As Mass Protests Await Israeli PM Ahead Of UNGA Address Today

United States Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “wanted war criminal” and a “chronic liar,” as New York City braces for mass protests over Netanyahu’s visit for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

According to The New Arab Report, Van Hollen, who is one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s war in Gaza and the occupied West Bank within the Democratic Party, made the remarks on Wednesday after Netanyahu released a video attacking New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

In the video, Netanyahu had accused Mayor Mamdani of supporting Hamas and inciting violence against Jewish New Yorkers, saying he would use his UNGA address to respond to the mayor and defend Israel’s actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

Responding, Van Hollen said: “I just watched the video released by Prime Minister Netanyahu about Mayor Mamdani. The first thing everybody should know is that Prime Minister Netanyahu is a chronic liar. He lies and lies and lies.”

The US lawmaker repeatedly referred to Netanyahu as a “wanted war criminal,” citing the arrest warrant issued against the Israeli leader by the International Criminal Court, ICC.

The ICC had in November 2024 issued warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza — allegations Israel has rejected.

“There are many countries that don’t allow him to cross their borders. The Prime Minister is lucky that the United States has let him cross our borders, but that doesn’t erase his lies, and that doesn’t erase his war crimes,” Van Hollen said.

Protests Await Netanyahu In Manhattan

The senator’s comments come as Netanyahu prepares to address the UN General Assembly on Thursday amid heightened security and planned demonstrations across Manhattan.

According to reports, three major protests are lined up for Thursday. At 11am, Israeli expatriate group UnXeptable will protest in Union Square. An hour later, US Jewish groups including T’ruah, J Street, the New Israel Fund and New York Jewish Agenda will demonstrate near the UN headquarters.

“The Prime Minister has blood on his hands, and he is not welcome in New York City,” organisers said, demanding an immediate and permanent end to the war.

Later in the day, a coalition of pro-Palestinian groups including Palestinian Youth Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, Democratic Socialists of America, CodePink and the Muslim American Society of New York will gather at Bryant Park and march towards the UN, demanding Netanyahu be “brought to justice.”

Israel’s mission to the UN said it expects “intense” protests and blamed Mayor Mamdani for the hostile reception. Mamdani had previously called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and said he was “not welcome in New York City,” though he later clarified he will not personally join the protests.

Van Hollen also accused Netanyahu’s government of failing to provide justice for American citizens killed in the occupied West Bank, including 19-year-old Palestinian-American Nasrallah Abu Siyam killed by a settler in February.

Last week, Van Hollen alongside Senators Tim Kaine and Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution requiring the US State Department to report to Congress on what they described as a “pattern of violence” in the West Bank, including the killings of nine US citizens since 2022.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly Thursday night.