Mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday repeatedly refused to say that Hamas should lay down its weapons — as he stood by his promise to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he comes to New York City.

The Democratic nominee went into the lion’s den for a highly anticipated interview on Fox News’ “The Story with Martha MacCullum,” where the host grilled the vocal critic of Israel on the cease-fire in Gaza.

Persistently pressed by MacCullum on if Hamas should put down its weapons — a key pillar of the deal that the terror group has refused to accept — and give up leadership in Gaza, Mamdani tried to wiggle out of the line of questioning.

Zohran Mamdani said it’s ‘too early’ to give Trump credit for the Gaza ceasefire. Getty Images

The proud socialist pivoted to affordability in New York City before taking a half-hearted stab at both Hamas and Israel.

“I don’t really have opinions about the future of Hamas and Israel beyond the question of justice and safety, and the fact that anything has to abide by international law,” he said.

Donald Trump brokered a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. AP

“That applies to Hamas, that applies to the Israeli military, applies to anyone you could ask me about.”

The at-turns affable and evasive Mamdani did stand firm on his vow that, if elected, he’d order the NYPD to arrest Netanyahu, who has a warrant out from the International Criminal Court, which the US does not recognize.

Mamdani pivoted when asked about if Hamas should out down their weapons. REUTERS

But when MacCullum pointed out that the US hasn’t signed the treaty for the ICC, Mamdani appeared to hint his stance was more one of principle – noting the court also issued a similar warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I believe that we should uphold arrests warrants by the International Criminal Court, and that we should do so only in abiding with all of the laws in front of us,” he said.

“I can tell you that I’m going to exhaust every legal option in front me, not to make new laws to do so.”

Zohran Mamdani (back row center) at Grand Central Station protesting the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in a photo posted to Instagram on October 27, 2023. Instagram/@zohrankmamdani

Start your day with all you need to know

Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

Thanks for signing up!

Mamdani argued that Hamas should “absolutely” return the bodies of dead Israeli-American hostages Itay Chen and Omer Neutra. 

“I have no issue with critiquing Hamas or the Israeli government because my critiques all come from a place of universal human rights,” he said.

MacCullum bluntly asked Mamdani if he’d give President Trump credit for the cease-fire deal – a bridge too far for many of his fellow Democrats.

“I think it’s too early to do so,” Mamdani said. “But if it proves to be something that is lasting, something that is durable, I think that’s where you go.”

At another point in the rapid-fire interview, Mamdani dramatically spoke directly to the camera to address Trump – who has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal funding from New York City if the socialist is elected – and backhandedly insult Mayor Eric Adams and electoral rival Andrew Cuomo.

“I will not be not be a mayor like Mayor Adams, who will call you to figure out how to stay out of jail,” he said, referring to Hizzoner’s controversially dismissed federal corruption case.

“I won’t be a disgraced governor like Andrew Cuomo, who will call you to ask how to win this election,” he continued.

“I can do those things on my own. I will, however, be a mayor who is ready to speak at any time to lower the cost of living. That’s the way that I’m going to lead this city.”