NEW YORK (VINnews) — Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio defended Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a Fox News appearance Monday, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “literally a war criminal” while criticizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” de Blasio said, adding that he agreed with Mamdani’s criticism of Netanyahu.

The comments came days after Mamdani released a video saying his administration had explored whether New York City had any legal authority to arrest Netanyahu if he visits the city for the U.N. General Assembly in September. Mamdani, who has previously referred to Netanyahu as a “war criminal,” said city lawyers determined New York lacks the authority to carry out such an arrest.

The exchange follows weeks of criticism surrounding Mamdani’s campaign pledge to seek Netanyahu’s arrest if he entered New York City. The issue has drawn national attention and prompted responses from political leaders, including President Donald Trump, who said Netanyahu “will not be arrested” while visiting the United States.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Gaza. Israel rejects the allegations, and both Israel and the United States do not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

De Blasio’s remarks also drew criticism on social media from some pro-Israel commentators and Jewish organizations, who accused the former mayor of embracing Mamdani’s position despite longstanding concerns within New York’s Jewish community over the mayor’s rhetoric toward Israel.