Cuomo weighs 2025 New York mayoral race, joins Netanyahu's defense team against ICC warrant

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's legal team this week. The Jewish leader and his former defense secretary Yoav Gallant are facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over Hamas' continued response to the October attacks. Terrorist attack on 7th 2023.

Cuomo, a three-term Democratic lawmaker who resigned in 2021 amid harassment allegations, also slammed anti-Semitism at a recent dinner with leaders of New York's Jewish community.

Cuomo accused Hamas of covering up kidnappings and murders in Israel and told the National Committee to Advance Jewish Education that he was proud to join Netanyahu's defense.

He accused too many people and “organizations” of being in “denial” about the scourge of anti-Semitism.

Cuomo said Rabbi Zvi Kogan, one of the Jewish leaders reported as “missing” in the United Arab Emirates, was not, but was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas. Mr. Cuomo suggested that such false characterizations should be considered anti-Semitic.

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“This is a historic moment. This is a pivotal moment, a moment where true friends stand shoulder to shoulder fighting for the state of Israel,” Cuomo said.

“I am proud to be part of the Prime Minister's defense team against the ICC arrest warrant, and I am proud to stand against anti-Semitism.”

The ICC indicted Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes, sparking a global firestorm as countries that signed up to the court's jurisdiction found themselves at odds with nonpartisan allies like the United States. caused it.

In recognizing the ICC, member states have a sworn obligation to abide by its decrees. Prime Minister Netanyahu's warrant therefore poses a dilemma for a wide range of Western countries, including the entire European Union, against the United States and Israel.

Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, told Britain's GB News: “If international leaders join these bulls, there will be a hell of a price to pay.” The report said the country's left-wing leader, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was facing pressure from some members of the Labor Party who cited an “obligation” to arrest Netanyahu.

France's Macron government has indicated that Netanyahu will be treated as exempt from the ICC because France is a signatory but Israel is not.

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Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AP/Sebastian Scheiner)

Separately, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault was asked if France would arrest Netanyahu, and he said Paris was “very committed to international justice and will apply international law,” according to The Jerusalem Post. The paper reported.

The warrant was issued by Sens. John Fetterman (R-Pennsylvania), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.C.), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and It sparked bipartisan outrage at the Capitol, as did Rep. Richie Torres and others. , D.N.Y., found an unusual match.

Graham told “Hannity” that he and Cotton are seeking to pass legislation that would sanction countries that cooperated with the ICC in arresting Netanyahu, but all other members of Congress on the list are denounced the warrant.

Mr. Cuomo is also rumored to be considering running for mayor in 2025 in New York City, home to the largest Jewish community in the United States.

In his remarks, he cited the 1.6 million Jews who live in the Big Apple, saying that while Hamas marches in the streets wearing masks, Jews don't wear yarmulkes or Stars of David in public. He said he was afraid of

“That can't happen in New York state,” he said, adding that the relevant laws he signed as governor should be properly enforced.

In 2019, Mr. Cuomo approved an anti-Semitic hate crimes bill proposed by state Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) and shortly after launched the “No Hate in Our State” campaign.

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Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin meets with Israeli Defense Minister Job Gallant. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)

Press Secretary Cuomo directed Fox News Digital to watch video of the governor's speech and said in a statement that Democrats are proud to be part of Netanyahu's legal “dream team.” said.

“As governor, Mr. Cuomo has made fighting anti-Semitism and supporting Israel a top priority, passing a landmark hate crimes bill, prioritizing increased security at religious institutions, and creating a new hate crimes unit in the state police. ” and led the state delegation when Israel was attacked,” he said.

Ideologically biased countries such as the United States, Russia, Cuba, Turkey, Vatican City, and Malaysia are some of the major countries that have not recognized the ICC.

Key U.S. allies Canada, Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom recognize the Netherlands-based bench.

FOX News Digital has reached out to Netanyahu's government for comment.