NYC Mayor Explores Arrest of Netanyahu During His Visit
New York City Mayor Eric Adams' successor Zoran Mamdani is considering arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he arrives in September for the UN General Assembly, citing an ICC warrant.
The office of New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani is examining the possibility of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit the city in September for the UN General Assembly. In a podcast interview with The New York Times, Mamdani stated that his administration's legal department is actively discussing the matter. He had promised to take this step while running for mayor.
Mamdani said he believes Netanyahu belongs in The Hague, calling him a war criminal indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He added that many people share this view due to the consequences of Netanyahu's actions in recent years. When asked what the law allows him to do as mayor, Mamdani replied that they are actively discussing it with their legal department but emphasized they have no interest in overstepping legality, unlike at the national level.
Both current US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden condemned the ICC arrest warrant. The US has not ratified the Rome Statute, which obligates states to detain individuals based on ICC warrants. The Trump administration has escalated its long-standing feud with the ICC; Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently promised to "dissolve" the court, accusing it of waging war against the US through so-called international law.
Mamdani is a vocal critic of the Israeli government, repeatedly calling Israel's military campaign in Gaza genocide—a charge Israel denies. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz called the mayor's remarks "pure political theater" and stressed the US is not an ICC member. Netanyahu earlier said in a radio interview that he is not worried about calls for his arrest. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon announced on social media that Netanyahu will come to New York, proudly address the UN General Assembly, and present the truth about Israel and its unwavering right to defend its citizens.
The ICC issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and other senior Israeli politicians, accusing them of war crimes committed during and after the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 73,250 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli attacks up to last year's ceasefire; the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but notes that most victims are women and children.
