Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani of NYC promises to detain Netanyahu based on ICC warrant

New York City’s Incoming Mayor on ICC Warrant

The next mayor of New York City, Zoran Mamdani, has made it clear that he will uphold an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the city. This statement marks his first public declaration prior to taking office.

During a meeting between outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and Netanyahu, Adams advocated for the Prime Minister to attend Mamdani’s inauguration, according to a report.

While speaking live on ABC7, Mamdani referred to New York as a “city of international law,” highlighting the ICC’s 2024 warrant that accuses Netanyahu of deliberately targeting civilians and utilizing starvation in war efforts.

“As I have said many times before, I believe that this is a city of international law. A commitment to international law means we should support the ICC’s warrants, whether they’re issued for Benjamin Netanyahu or Vladimir Putin,” he stated.

Mamdani also pointed out that New Yorkers desire consistency in how values are expressed and practiced. He suggested that ICC warrants are deserving of a careful review regarding their legal enforcement.

Mamdani had previously indicated that he would arrest Netanyahu if legally able to do so, affirming that New Yorkers want to uphold their principles. However, he also stated that he wouldn’t introduce new legislation to guarantee Netanyahu’s arrest, while also expressing criticism toward former President Donald Trump.

“Unlike Donald Trump, I’m someone who aims to operate within the law,” he noted. “I will explore all legal options rather than drafting new laws for this.”

In the background of these developments, Mayor Adams met with Israeli officials for a farewell visit. He expressed his belief that Netanyahu should visit the city and inaugurate Mamdani in a show of support for the Jewish community. “It’s important for him to demonstrate he will continue to engage with the city,” Adams remarked.

Mamdani also reiterated his commitment to protecting New York’s Jewish residents, stating, “It’s my duty not only to protect Jewish New Yorkers but to celebrate and cherish them in our city.”