NYC Mayor Says He’s Exploring Whether Netanyahu Could Be

Update: Mayor Mamdani subsequently backed away from the idea on July 22. The original report follows.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says his administration is reviewing whether it would have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he travels to New York this September for the United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking on The New York Times podcast The Interview, Mamdani said he believes Netanyahu “belongs in The Hague” and referred to the International Criminal Court’s 2024 arrest warrant accusing the Israeli leader of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the war in Gaza. Netanyahu and the Israeli government have denied the allegations.

Also Read

Walmart Launches New $120 Membership Combining Walmart+ And Sam’s Club

Mamdani said he is in an “active conversation” with New York City’s Law Department to determine what authority, if any, the city has to act.

“Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do. But we won’t be writing our own laws to that end,” Mamdani said.

Whether the mayor could legally order such an arrest remains highly disputed.

The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over U.S. citizens or Israel. Legal experts have also argued that any attempt by New York City to arrest a visiting foreign head of government would likely conflict with federal authority, diplomatic protections, and U.S. foreign policy.

The comments quickly drew criticism.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz dismissed the proposal as “pure political theater,” while Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, said Netanyahu will travel to New York to address the General Assembly and defended Israel’s actions. Netanyahu has previously said he is not concerned by Mamdani’s comments.

The issue is expected to remain in the spotlight as world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly this September.

Also reported by: Al Jazeera.