War crime

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, is facing skepticism from within his own party ahead of a closely contested race against Republican Mike Rogers. Focus groups convened by MS NOW this week revealed friction on two fronts: Black voters who said El-Sayed has taken their support for granted and expressed interest in marking "uncommitted" rather than backing him, and Jewish Democrats who want a clear statement affirming his support for Israel.

El-Sayed has previously made pointed remarks on the topic, telling CNN the Israeli government's response to the October 7 attack was "evil," calling Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal, and describing Israel as an "illegal apartheid regime" in other interviews. Participants in the Jewish focus group voiced doubt that any reassurance from him now would be credible. Commentators suggested Black voters may be more persuadable, citing a potential campaign appearance by former President Barack Obama as a possible factor. The dynamics underscore a broader national trend of some Jewish Democratic voters reconsidering party loyalty over Israel-related concerns, with implications for a race seen as competitive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New York to address the United Nations, pledging to defend Israel against what he called "terrible lies" and to speak on behalf of Israeli soldiers. His visit drew renewed criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has previously threatened to have Netanyahu arrested and reiterated in a CNN interview that he views the prime minister as a "war criminal" responsible for genocide against Palestinians. Mamdani said New Yorkers have the right to protest given the International Criminal Court's outstanding arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Netanyahu responded sharply, accusing the mayor of supporting Hamas and inciting unrest against New York's Jewish community. Police union officials warned the rhetoric could escalate protests.

Separately at the UN, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant speech condemning U.S. and Israeli actions, prompting a walkout by an American delegate. In Israel, U.S. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter's son was critically injured in a car-ramming attack in Samaria, adding further strain amid the high-profile diplomatic tensions.
Netanyahu's UN visit sparks clashes with Mayor Mamdani over ICC arrest calls amid rising Israel-Iran tensions.