Mamdani Calls for US Action on Netanyahu Arrest Warrant

New York City Mayor Mamdani urges US officials to act on the ICC warrant for Netanyahu, citing a lack of local authority.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reversed his earlier pledge to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, stating he currently lacks the “authority” to do so.

Instead, Mamdani called upon federal authorities to take action regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. In a social media video, he emphasized that U.S. officials should respond to the warrant that could lead to Netanyahu’s arrest.

While the ICC warrants are significant, the U.S. is not a member state of the ICC. Consequently, Netanyahu could only face arrest if he entered a country that recognizes the ICC. Former President Donald Trump weighed in, stating unequivocally that Netanyahu would not face arrest in the U.S. Trump reiterated support for Netanyahu, pointing out the Israeli leader’s ongoing conflict with Iran.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Mamdani conveyed that he was exploring all possibilities with law enforcement to enforce the ICC’s warrant. However, he stated that a thorough review indicated that the city does not possess independent legal authority to carry out such an arrest. “The federal government, however, does,” he mentioned, urging federal action on the warrant.

Mamdani has made it clear that Netanyahu is “not welcome” in New York City. He has consistently referred to Netanyahu as a war criminal and condemned the actions in Gaza as genocidal. Back during his mayoral campaign, Mamdani was vocal about his intentions, telling the New York Times, “This is something that I intend to fulfill,” regarding the possibility of arresting Netanyahu.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 due to alleged war crimes in Gaza, coinciding with a similar warrant for a Hamas commander. The ICC’s authority to prosecute extends to accusations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in states that are party to its founding treaty, the Rome Statute.

Amid these developments, Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, responded to Mamdani’s remarks by asserting that the mayor’s duty lies with the citizens of New York and not with what he termed “Hamas’ propaganda.” Meanwhile, as unrest continues in the Middle East, the geopolitical dynamics face increasing scrutiny, placing more pressure on U.S. officials regarding their stance on Israel.