Washington, July 22: New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani has stated that he cannot arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under the International Criminal Court’s warrant. This announcement comes after a legal review concluded that his administration lacks the authority to take such action, marking a retreat from his campaign promises.
Despite this, Mamdani labeled Netanyahu a “war criminal” and urged the Trump administration to arrest him when he attends the United Nations General Assembly in September.
In a video posted on X, Mamdani explained, “My administration has reviewed every legal avenue available to determine if New York can enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant should Benjamin Netanyahu come here.” He added, “It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant.”
Mamdani pointed out that the federal government holds such authority and called on Washington to join the International Criminal Court and enforce its warrants, noting that the U.S. is not a member of this court.
This announcement followed President Donald Trump‘s statement that Netanyahu would not be detained during his visit to the U.S. Trump stated on Truth Social, “Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way while in the United States.”
During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani repeatedly asserted that he would order Netanyahu’s arrest upon his arrival in New York. Recently, he told The New York Times Magazine that his administration was actively discussing the enforcement of the warrant with the city’s law department.
Despite the legal conclusion, Mamdani continues to criticize Netanyahu. He stated, “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal and is responsible for the horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.”
Mamdani further emphasized, “As I have said, I agree with the ICC that Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and prosecuted for his crimes, just as I would for any other individual indicted by the ICC.” He made it clear that Netanyahu is not welcome in the city, stating, “I want to be equally clear: Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other openly roaming war criminal.”
Netanyahu’s office dismissed the allegations and criticized Mamdani. In a statement posted on X, they claimed, “The ICC is a ‘kangaroo court’ with no jurisdiction over Americans or Israelis.”
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