New York City Mayor Addresses Netanyahu Arrest Situation

On Wednesday, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani refrained from commenting after discovering the city lacks the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu had previously campaigned on a promise to be arrested if he visited New York.

When asked if the abandoned threat of arrest was merely “political theater,” Mamdani noted that his administration had looked into the relevant laws. They concluded that enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant falls solely to the federal government.

“It’s clear that the city does not have the authority to enforce this warrant,” Mamdani said during a press conference at City Hall. He urged the federal government to take action on the warrant, despite the fact that the United States is not an ICC member and does not recognize its jurisdiction over either the U.S. or Israel.

With the Trump administration already dismissing Netanyahu’s calls for arrest as that of a “war criminal,” Mamdani urged New Yorkers to express their dissent or opposition.

Mamdani reaffirmed his belief that the arrest warrant should be executed and indicated that he respects the laws of the country. “I have called on the government to review all applicable laws. But I also believe the U.S. government can engage with the ICC,” he stated, expressing hope for that to happen.

He suggested that individuals should protest during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, possibly set for September. “In this city, protests are always respected if someone feels dissatisfaction,” he added, leaving the decision to the public.

Repeatedly questioned about his failure to resolve legal issues before taking office, Mamdani acknowledged that experts had expressed concerns about the legality of his arrest pledge during his campaign.

Mamdani did not specify when he learned that the city couldn’t enforce the ICC warrant. “That’s the review I asked them to do,” he explained, stating that the legal team confirmed it was impossible under current law.

He recognized that Palestinians in New York might feel disillusioned with Netanyahu’s unfulfilled promises and asserted that the Israeli leader is no longer welcome at City Hall. “We’re talking about someone charged with crimes against humanity—someone who has visited and been welcomed by previous mayors,” he remarked.

“I want to make it clear that this welcome ends with me,” he continued. “When Benjamin Netanyahu and other war criminals visit this city, I do not welcome them.”

Mamdani faced scrutiny over his emphasis on Netanyahu, which some believe oversimplifies the complexities of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. When asked directly whether he classified the October 7 Hamas attack as genocide, he chose not to use that term. “I consider October 7 a horrific war crime,” he said, emphasizing that it should be condemned vehemently.

He advocates for not selectively opposing crimes against humanity, declaring support for enforcing ICC warrants against Hamas leaders and Netanyahu alike. “My concern is for all those issued warrants for war crimes,” he clarified, accusing Netanyahu of “orchestrating this genocide” in Gaza. Netanyahu’s administration has consistently denied these allegations and criticized the legitimacy of the ICC case.

Through it all, Mamdani expressed his commitment to ensuring the safety and respect of Jewish New Yorkers, reassuring that differing opinions should not impede their sense of security in the city. “My responsibility is to ensure they are valued, celebrated, and safe,” he concluded.