NYC Mayor Mamdani Cannot Arrest Netanyahu

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced late Tuesday that the city cannot execute an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani stated in a video posted on X that New York City lacks the independent legal authority to enforce the warrant, but urged the federal government to do so. He referred to Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and declared he is not welcome in New York City.

Mamdani had previously told The New York Times earlier this month that he and the city's legal department were considering arresting Netanyahu if he visited New York City for the U.N. General Assembly in September. However, his administration has since reviewed all available avenues and determined the city cannot carry out the arrest. Mamdani reiterated his stance that "Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large."

President Donald Trump had stated on Monday via a social media post that Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America." This statement did not directly reference Mamdani's comments. Mamdani had campaigned on his intention to order the city's police to arrest Netanyahu under the ICC warrant due to his role in the war in Gaza.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in 2024, alleging crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza. Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon responded to Mamdani's statements, accusing the mayor of serving "Hamas' propaganda" instead of New Yorkers and urging him to "Do your job!"