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By: Hal C Clarke
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has joined a prestigious legal team defending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against war crimes charges levied by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC issued arrest warrants Thursday for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the Hamas attacks on October 7.
Cuomo revealed his role in the high-stakes legal battle during a Sunday night address at the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education, held at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square. His announcement drew thunderous applause.
“This is the moment that counts. This is the moment that will be in the history books,” Cuomo declared, as reported by the New York Post. “True friends stand up, shoulder to shoulder, and fight for the State of Israel. I am proud to be on the legal defense for the prime minister against the ICC arrest warrant, and I am proud to stand against antisemitism.”
The legal team defending Netanyahu is being organized by Alan Dershowitz, the renowned Harvard law professor and high-profile defense attorney. Dershowitz first announced his involvement in the case in a Wall Street Journal column, and Cuomo is now one of the prominent figures stepping up to assist.
The ICC’s charges accuse Netanyahu and Gallant of “crimes against humanity and war crimes” stemming from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The warrants mark the first time a leader of a modern Western democracy has faced such accusations from the world’s top war crimes tribunal.
Cuomo, who has recently been exploring a political comeback, appeared resolute in his stance. He has been positioning himself as a moderate while reportedly considering a run for New York City mayor.
During his speech, Cuomo also criticized media coverage of antisemitism, particularly the New York Times. He took issue with the paper’s characterization of Rabbi Zvi Kogan’s death in Dubai, where headlines described him as having “disappeared” and later being “found dead.” Cuomo asserted the rabbi had been kidnapped and murdered because of his faith.
“Rabbi Kogan was not ‘found dead’; he was murdered,” Cuomo stated, according to the New York Post. “There is a disturbing pattern whereby some in the media — particularly the New York Times — downplay antisemitic acts. That’s antisemitism.”
Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) also condemned the New York Times’ coverage, echoing Cuomo’s sentiment. Torres tweeted earlier Sunday: “Contrary to the NY Times, Rabbi Zvi Kogan did not just ‘disappear’ in Dubai. He was abducted and murdered because he was a Jew. The media should call the kidnapping and killing of Rabbi Kogan exactly what it is: an act of antisemitic terror.”
The event also saw the attendance of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who commissioned the report on sexual misconduct allegations that led to Cuomo’s resignation in 2021. Despite facing impeachment threats at the time, Cuomo has continued to hint at a return to politics.
While Cuomo avoided commenting on Torres’ rumored gubernatorial aspirations, the evening solidified his ongoing efforts to re-establish himself as a political force while advocating for Israel amid an intensifying global spotlight.
