New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Drops Plan to Arrest Benjamin Netanyahu
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has acknowledged that municipal authorities do not have the legal power to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reversing a pledge made during his mayoral campaign.
Mamdani Drops Netanyahu Arrest Plan
Mamdani said a legal review concluded that New York City could not independently enforce the International Criminal Court warrant issued against Netanyahu. He had previously promised to order the Israeli leader’s arrest if he entered the city.
Despite abandoning the proposed municipal action, Mamdani maintained his criticism of Netanyahu and said the Israeli prime minister was not welcome in New York. He called on the US federal government to recognise the ICC warrant and act if Netanyahu visits the country.
Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York in September for the United Nations General Assembly.
ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024. The court alleged that they bore criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to the Gaza conflict, including the alleged use of starvation as a method of warfare.
Israel has rejected the accusations and disputed the ICC’s jurisdiction. Netanyahu has denied committing war crimes.
The United States is not a member of the ICC and does not recognise the court’s authority over American or Israeli nationals. Sitting foreign leaders may also receive immunity protections, particularly when attending official United Nations meetings.
Trump Rejects Mamdani Demand
US President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not be arrested if he entered the United States. Israeli representatives also criticised Mamdani’s statements, accusing him of political grandstanding and hostility towards Israel.
Mamdani’s revised position confirms that any potential federal action would be determined by Washington rather than New York City. The federal government has given no indication that it intends to enforce the ICC warrant.
