Mamdani says he’s still looking into arresting Netanyahu if Israeli leader visits New York
Mamdanі Evaluates Possibility of Arresting Netanyahu During Upcoming UN Visit
Legal Review Underway for Potential ICC Warrant Enforcement
Mamdani says he s still looking – City Hall officials are currently examining the legal mechanisms that could enable the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he travel to New York for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September. The mayor, Zohran Mamdani, revealed this ongoing assessment during an appearance on The New York Times podcast titled “The Interview.” According to Mamdani, his administration’s legal team has been actively engaged in discussions regarding the feasibility of executing an arrest based on the International Criminal Court’s warrant.
During the campaign period, Mamdani had publicly committed to pursuing such action if circumstances warranted it. He expressed his conviction regarding the Israeli leader’s status under international law, stating:
“I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague.”
The mayor further explained his position by noting that the ICC has formally charged Netanyahu with war crimes. He emphasized that this perspective is shared by numerous observers who have closely monitored the Israeli leader’s conduct over recent years.
When questioned about the specific legal authority available to him, Mamdani indicated that his office continues to deliberate on the matter. He remarked:
“That’s an active conversation with our legal department.”
The mayor also drew a distinction between New York’s approach and certain national-level practices, observing that some authorities have occasionally attempted to circumvent established legal frameworks. He clarified that his administration does not intend to engage in such behavior.
Background on the ICC Warrant and International Law Framework
The International Criminal Court issued its arrest warrant for Netanyahu alongside other Israeli officials in 2024. This legal action stemmed from allegations of war crimes committed during and following the Hamas attacks on Israel that began on October 7, 2023. The warrant represents a significant development in international legal proceedings concerning the conflict.
Notably, the United States has not ratified the Rome Statute, the treaty that establishes the ICC and requires member nations to apprehend individuals subject to its warrants. This non-ratification status creates a complex legal landscape for potential enforcement of the warrant within American jurisdiction. Despite this, local authorities have indicated they are exploring all available options.
The Trump administration has intensified its longstanding opposition to the ICC. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced plans to “dismantle” the court, characterizing it as engaging in
“a war against our country, not with bullets or missiles”
but rather through
“the force of so-called international law.”
Both President Trump and former President Joe Biden have publicly criticized the ICC’s warrant for Netanyahu.
Political Reactions and Regional Context
Mamdani has established himself as a vocal critic of Israeli government policies. He has consistently characterized Israel’s military operations in Gaza as constituting genocide, a position that Israel has firmly rejected. His stance has drawn both support and criticism from various quarters of the political spectrum.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, responded to the mayor’s comments on Saturday by dismissing them as
“pure political theater.”
Waltz pointed out that the United States maintains its status as a non-member of the ICC, which he argued undermines the legal basis for any arrest attempt.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have expressed confidence that Netanyahu will proceed with his planned visit. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, shared his perspective on social media, declaring that the prime minister
“will come to New York, address the United Nations General Assembly with pride, and stand before the world to state Israel’s truth and its unwavering right to defend its citizens.”
Earlier in the week, Netanyahu himself addressed concerns about Mamdani’s arrest proposals during an interview with WABC radio host Sid Rosenberg. The Israeli leader appeared dismissive of the possibility that any arrest might occur, suggesting that the matter was largely symbolic in nature.
The situation continues to evolve as both legal experts and political leaders weigh in on the potential implications of enforcing the ICC warrant. The outcome could set important precedents for how international legal instruments are applied within domestic jurisdictions, particularly in cities with independent foreign policy perspectives.
