Why President Mamdani wants Prime Minister Netanyahu arrested if he visits New York
Mamdani called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and said a possible arrest was currently being discussed in New York City. Here’s what you need to know:
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani called on federal authorities to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the Israeli prime minister a “war criminal.”
In a statement posted on the mayor’s social media platforms Tuesday night, Mamdani said New York City would not be able to arrest him because Netanyahu had instructed city officials to consider legal means of detaining him if he visited.
Despite the president posting earlier this week that “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested in any capacity while in the United States,” he instead called on the federal government to arrest him.
“Everyone should see with their own eyes, their hearts and their conscience the devastation he caused and understand that he deserves to be brought to justice,” Mamdani said.
“As I have said, I agree with the[International Criminal Court]that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, like the others indicted by the ICC, should be arrested and tried for his crimes.”
Mamdani told the New York Times last week that the city’s legal department was considering options for arresting Netanyahu in New York City ahead of his possible appearance at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The ICC warrant, issued in November 2024, charges Netanyahu with war crimes and crimes against humanity as a result of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. But the United States does not recognize the court, and protections are in place for leaders who visit the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
“My administration has considered all avenues available under applicable law to determine whether New York City could execute the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were to come here,” Mamdani said.
“It’s clear that we don’t have independent legal authority to enforce this warrant. But the federal government does.”
Mamdani then called on federal authorities to execute the ICC warrant. Netanyahu’s ally, President Donald Trump, wrote earlier this week that Netanyahu would not be arrested during his visit to the United States.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, and neither are other war criminals,” Mamdani said.
“We cannot end genocide on our own, but we can decide whether our silence becomes the new weapon.”
