- ICC issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu in 2024 for crimes against humanity related to the Gaza war.
- Mamdani stated that New York City lacks the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant against Netanyahu.
- Mamdani urged the federal government to act on the warrant, labeling Netanyahu a 'war criminal' and asserting he is not welcome in New York City.
- President Trump declared that Netanyahu 'will not be arrested' in the U.S. in a social media post on July 20.
- Earlier this month, Mamdani indicated he was exploring the possibility of arresting Netanyahu if he attended the UN General Assembly in September.
- Israel's UN envoy, Danny Danon, responded to Mamdani's comments, telling him to 'do your job.'
- Mamdani's campaign promise included a commitment to direct police to arrest Netanyahu under the ICC warrant.
- Mamdani's remarks emphasize that while he seeks action on the warrant, New York City cannot carry it out.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared that the city cannot enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he labeled a 'war criminal'. In a video message, Mamdani stated, "It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant," urging the federal government to act instead.2
Mamdani's comments come as the ICC issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and others, accusing them of crimes against humanity related to the war in Gaza. The court alleged that Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant used "starvation as a method of warfare" and intentionally targeted civilians, charges that Israeli officials deny.
Mamdani, who had previously indicated during his election campaign that he would direct the city's police to arrest Netanyahu if he visited for the UN General Assembly, reiterated that the city lacks the legal authority to do so. He emphasized, "Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large," and called on the federal government to join the ICC in executing the warrant.
His remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Israel's UN envoy, Danny Danon, who stated, "You were elected to serve New Yorkers, not Hamas' propaganda," urging Mamdani to focus on his responsibilities.7
In response, US President Donald Trump asserted that Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America."
“Israel's UN envoy Danny Danon rebuked Mamdani, telling him 'enough' and to 'do your job.' President Donald Trump also stated Netanyahu 'will not be arrested' while in the US, complicating any federal action on the warrant.”
WSJ
