New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced late Tuesday that the city cannot execute an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court, despite earlier suggesting the possibility. In a video statement, Mamdani characterized Netanyahu as a war criminal unwelcome in the city and appealed to the federal government to join the ICC and enforce the warrant.
Mamdani had previously indicated to the New York Times earlier this month that he and the city’s legal department were evaluating options for arresting Netanyahu should he attend the U.N. General Assembly in September. However, after reviewing available legal pathways, his administration determined that New York City lacks independent authority to carry out such an arrest.
President Donald Trump responded Monday to the situation with a social media post assuring Netanyahu that he “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.” During his mayoral campaign last year, Mamdani had pledged to direct city police to arrest Netanyahu under the international court’s warrant relating to his role in the Gaza conflict.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and others, accusing them of crimes against humanity connected to the Gaza war. The court alleged Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant restricted humanitarian aid as a warfare tactic and intentionally targeted civilians in operations against Hamas, charges that Israeli officials have denied.
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, criticized Mamdani’s stance, stating the mayor was elected to serve New Yorkers rather than promote what he characterized as propaganda, and urged him to focus on his job.
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