Key Takeaways
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani discusses potential arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza.
- Mamdani's administration is evaluating legal authority to detain Netanyahu during upcoming UN General Assembly session.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has renewed his pledge to consider arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if the latter visits New York City for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in September. This decision comes after Mamdani expressed his belief that Netanyahu belongs 'in the Hague,' referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
During an interview with The New York Times' 'The Interview' program, which was published on Saturday, Mamdani stated, 'I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in the Hague.' He further elaborated that many share this opinion due to Netanyahu's actions over the past years. However, Mamdani remains uncertain about his legal authority to order the New York Police Department (NYPD) to detain a foreign leader.
Mamdani, who had previously vowed during his mayoral campaign in September 2025 that he would arrest Netanyahu if he arrived in NYC, now faces the challenge of determining whether such an action is legally permissible. 'Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that's what we will do, but we won't be writing our own laws to that end,' Mamdani said.
The mayor’s administration is currently engaged in discussions with the city’s Law Department to assess whether they have the legal authority to detain Netanyahu. 'I am still mulling over this issue and will make a decision based on what the law allows us to do,' Mamdani added, emphasizing that any action would be within existing legal frameworks.
Netanyahu is currently wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes, including starvation as a method of warfare during Israel's military operations in Gaza. In his interview, Mamdani described these actions as 'genocide' and highlighted the United States’ military support for such activities. He recalled an Israeli air strike that killed aid worker Mohammed al-Wahidi, who had been helping organize public screenings of FIFA World Cup matches.
Mamdani’s stance on Israel's actions in Gaza is clear; he views them as a 'genocide' and criticizes the U.S.'s support for these actions. He stated, 'There is no respite from a genocide, no matter even in a moment of joy for the entire world,' referring to the air strike that killed al-Wahidi.
In response to questions about his coalition's stance on calling Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide, Mamdani said it was an important part but did not describe it as a litmus test. He also expressed openness to including those who support Israel within his coalition, stating, 'It is critical to be able to include people with different views.'
I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in the Hague.
Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor
Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that's what we will do, but we won't be writing our own laws to that end.
Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor
