New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on Tuesday that the city lacks the legal authority to execute an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani called on the federal government to enforce the warrant, labeling Netanyahu a “war criminal” who is unwelcome in the city. Despite previous discussions about arresting Netanyahu during his potential visit to the UN General Assembly in September, Mamdani clarified that the city cannot carry out the warrant.
In response, President Donald Trump assured Netanyahu that he would not face any arrest while in the United States. Mamdani had pledged during his mayoral campaign to order the city’s police to arrest Netanyahu based on the ICC’s warrant related to his involvement in the Gaza conflict. However, Mamdani emphasized in a video message that after reviewing all options, the city cannot execute the arrest warrant.
Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, criticized Mamdani’s stance, stating that the mayor should focus on serving New Yorkers rather than promoting Hamas propaganda. The ICC had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in connection with alleged crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. The court accused Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant of using starvation as a method of warfare and deliberately targeting civilians, charges denied by Israeli authorities.
Despite Israel’s denial of committing genocide in Gaza, Mamdani reiterated his allegations against Netanyahu in the video, calling him the “architect of a horrific genocide.” The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians. The ICC, established in 2002, has the authority to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes but faces opposition from the United States and Israel, both non-members of the court.
Mamdani, who made headlines by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary and becoming New York City’s first Muslim mayor, emphasized his commitment to stand against antisemitism and build a City Hall that supports Jewish New Yorkers. A recent poll indicated mixed views among Jewish adults toward Mamdani and Netanyahu, with upcoming elections in Israel offering voters a chance to decide Netanyahu’s political future.