- Mamdani called on federal officials to execute the ICC's arrest warrant, despite President posting that Netanyahu would not be arrested.
- Mamdani stated he agrees with the International Criminal Court (ICC) that Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and tried for his crimes, calling him a war criminal.
- Mamdani declared Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City and referred to him as a war criminal.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared that the city cannot arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to legal limitations, urging federal authorities to intervene. In a statement, he noted, 'My administration has reviewed every avenue available under applicable law to determine whether New York City could execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant if Benjamin Netanyahu came here.' He emphasized that the federal government holds the necessary authority to enforce the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to military actions in Gaza.345
Despite Mamdani's call for action, President Biden has stated that 'Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.' Mamdani expressed his belief that 'Anyone, with their eyes, their heart, with their conscience, should recognize the devastation he has wrought and understand that he belongs before a court of law.' He further asserted, 'Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large.' The mayor's comments reflect a growing sentiment among some officials regarding accountability for leaders accused of serious crimes, despite the U.S. not recognizing the ICC.12
Mamdani's remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza, as he calls for a collective stand against perceived injustices.
“Mamdani declared Netanyahu a war criminal and said he is not welcome in New York City, stating, 'Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large.' His remarks come after the president posted that Netanyahu would not be arrested while in the US.”
