Key Takeaways
- New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani says his city lacks legal authority to arrest Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Mamdani calls Netanyahu a war criminal and urges federal officials to step in.
- US President Donald Trump vowed Netanyahu would not face arrest during UN summit.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for the United States federal government to intervene and enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that his city does not have the legal authority to do so. In a video message posted on social media, Mamdani described Netanyahu as 'a war criminal' and 'the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.'
Mamdani’s office conducted a review of all available legal avenues under New York law but found that they lack independent legal authority to execute the ICC's arrest warrant. He emphasized, ‘The federal government, however, does have this authority, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant.’
The Hague-based International Criminal Court issued a warrant against Netanyahu in 2024, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s offensive in Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. In response to Mamdani's stance, Netanyahu's office dismissed his claims, labeling the ICC as a 'kangaroo court.'
US President Donald Trump has vowed that Netanyahu will not face arrest if he attends the September United Nations General Assembly summit in New York. In his video message, Mamdani stated, ‘Anyone — with their eyes, with their heart, with their conscience — should recognize the devastation he has wrought and understand that he belongs before a court of law.’
Mamdani further emphasized his agreement with the ICC’s decision to charge Netanyahu, adding, 'As I’ve said, I agree with the ICC that Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and tried for his crimes, as I do for anyone else charged by the ICC.'
Netanyahu's office has dismissed Mamdani's stance, arguing that the ICC is not a legitimate court. The Israeli Prime Minister’s spokesperson stated, 'The ICC is a kangaroo court and does not have the authority to make such rulings.'
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between New York City officials and the Israeli government over the enforcement of international legal decisions.
Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.
Zohran Mamdani, New York Mayor
The federal government, however, does have this authority, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant.
Zohran Mamdani, New York Mayor
