- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel's special forces are prepared if he faces detention abroad under the ICC arrest warrant, affirming he will continue international travel.
- Netanyahu confirmed he intends to travel to New York for the UN General Assembly, brushing aside calls by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani for action over the warrant.
- Trump has dismissed the prospect of any action against Netanyahu, stating he 'will not be arrested' if he enters the United States.
- The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
- Mamdani has previously described Netanyahu as a 'war criminal' facing charges before the ICC and said the warrant reflects concerns held by many over Israel's conduct during the Gaza conflict.
- Despite the warrant, Netanyahu said he remains willing to visit countries that are members of the ICC.
- Israel rejects the allegations, calling the court a 'kangaroo court' with no jurisdiction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that Israel's special forces are ready to act if he faces arrest abroad due to an ICC warrant. In a recent Fox News interview, he acknowledged the possibility of detention but remains undeterred in his international travel plans, including a trip to New York for the UN General Assembly.1
Netanyahu stated, "I’m going to speak the truth in front of this hate-spewing elected official," referring to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has labeled him a war criminal. Mamdani has called for action against Netanyahu, citing the ICC arrest warrant issued in November 2024 over alleged war crimes during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.2
Despite the warrant, Netanyahu expressed willingness to visit ICC member countries, dismissing the court as a “kangaroo court” with no jurisdiction. He emphasized that New York City lacks the legal authority to enforce the warrant, urging the US federal government to take action instead. US President Donald Trump, a close ally, has stated that Netanyahu would not be arrested in the United States, further complicating the situation surrounding the ICC warrant.3
Netanyahu's comments reflect ongoing tensions regarding Israel's military actions and the international legal challenges he faces, as he continues to navigate his role on the global stage amidst accusations of war crimes.
“Netanyahu's comments come amid ongoing tensions, as Mamdani has labeled him a 'war criminal' and urged federal action on the ICC warrant. Despite the legal threats, Netanyahu remains defiant, asserting that he will continue his international travel plans, including a visit to New York.”
The Indian Express
