New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the city lacks the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court warrant. Despite calling Netanyahu a “war criminal,” Mamdani acknowledged that his administration cannot enforce the warrant.
Mamdani emphasized that New York City does not possess the legal independence to execute the ICC’s arrest warrant against Netanyahu. He urged the federal government, which holds such authority, to adhere to the warrant and arrest Netanyahu during his anticipated visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
The mayor’s decision came after President Donald Trump declared that Netanyahu would not face arrest during his visit to the United States. Mamdani, who had pledged to arrest Netanyahu during his mayoral campaign, maintained his stance against the Israeli leader despite the legal constraints.
Mamdani reiterated his criticism of Netanyahu, labeling him a “war criminal” responsible for atrocities against the Palestinian people. He affirmed his support for the ICC’s call to arrest Netanyahu and emphasized that the Israeli leader is unwelcome in New York City.
Netanyahu’s office refuted the allegations, dismissing the ICC’s jurisdiction over Americans and Israelis. It criticized Mamdani, referring to the ICC as a court lacking authority over them.
