New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has clarified his stance on the potential arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that while he views Netanyahu as a “war criminal,” the city lacks the legal authority to execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
Mamdani’s revised position, announced in a video statement on Monday, marks a significant shift from his earlier suggestion that New York City police could detain the Israeli leader. After consulting legal experts, the Mayor acknowledged that municipal authorities do not possess the jurisdiction required to enforce an ICC arrest warrant.
Federal Enforcement Urged for ICC Warrant
Despite the change regarding city authority, Mamdani maintained his call for the United States federal government to enforce the ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu if the Prime Minister visits the country. Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York in September for the United Nations General Assembly.
“New York City does not have the authority to enforce the ICC warrant,” Mamdani stated, emphasizing that upholding international law in this context falls to the federal government. He also advocated for the United States to join the ICC and recognize its jurisdiction.
Context of the ICC Warrant and International Reactions
The controversy arises from an ICC arrest warrant issued against Benjamin Netanyahu in November 2024. The warrant cites alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel's military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu and the Israeli government have vehemently rejected these allegations, dismissing the ICC's actions as politically motivated and denying the court's jurisdiction.
Mamdani’s initial comments had sparked considerable political debate. Former President Donald Trump, for instance, dismissed the possibility of Netanyahu's arrest during a U.S. visit, reaffirming Washington's support for Israel. The United States is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, and has historically refused to recognize the court's authority over its citizens or allied officials.
“Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal.” — NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Israeli officials also criticized Mamdani’s remarks, with Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, accusing the mayor of promoting anti-Israel rhetoric. Mamdani has consistently been a vocal critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, arguing for the equal application of international law to all world leaders.
While acknowledging the legal limitations of New York City’s authority, Mamdani remains firm that the ICC warrant against Netanyahu is a serious matter that the federal government should address.