NYC Mayor Acknowledges Limitations on Arresting Netanyahu
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani revealed on Tuesday that he does not possess the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, contradicting his campaign promises.
Instead, he urged the federal government to carry out an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant if Israeli officials come to New York.
“We stand with the ICC, asserting that Prime Minister Netanyahu should face arrest for his alleged crimes, along with other indicted individuals,” Mamdani stated in a recent video.
He elaborated, saying, “My administration examined all legal options to determine if we could enforce the ICC’s warrant if Netanyahu visits. Unfortunately, we lack the authority to execute it. That said, the federal government can and should take action.”
Mamdani clarified that while he cannot fulfill a local arrest warrant or enforce international law, he firmly believes that Netanyahu would not be welcome in New York City.
“To be absolutely clear: Prime Minister Netanyahu is unwelcome here, along with any other war criminals,” he emphasized, departing from his previous campaign commitment that promised Netanyahu’s arrest if he set foot in the city.
His comments came shortly after a discussion with a newspaper, where he reiterated the need for an examination of the city’s legal standing regarding Netanyahu’s potential visit. The City Attorney’s Office is reportedly considering this issue.
Netanyahu is slated to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September. Mamdani remarked to the Times, “I think it’s crucial for Prime Minister Netanyahu to be held accountable in The Hague; he is, after all, facing prosecution by the ICC.”
However, Netanyahu’s office dismissed Mamdani’s remarks, labeling the ICC as a “kangaroo court” lacking jurisdiction over Americans or Israelis. They also suggested that instead of focusing on the ICC, Mamdani should address local challenges in New York.
The ICC had issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for both Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Job Galant, citing allegations of war crimes linked to military actions in Gaza.
