Would Mamdani actually do this?
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed scrutiny after saying his administration is reviewing whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest if he visits New York City for the United Nations General Assembly later this year.
Speaking during an interview on The New York Times’ The Interview podcast, Mamdani said his legal team is examining what actions, if any, the city could take if Netanyahu travels to New York this fall. The remarks have fueled debate over international law, U.S.-Israel relations, and the limits of local government authority.
Mamdani said he believes Netanyahu should face proceedings in The Hague, arguing that the Israeli prime minister should answer to the International Criminal Court over allegations that have resulted in an arrest warrant.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli government has strongly denied the allegations and does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.
Mamdani Says Legal Review Is Ongoing
Mamdani, who has repeatedly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza, said his administration would follow the law if Netanyahu were to visit New York City.
When asked whether he would direct the New York Police Department to arrest the Israeli prime minister, Mamdani said the issue is still under legal review.
“That’s an active conversation with our legal department,” he said.
The mayor emphasized that his position is based on the ICC’s arrest warrant rather than his own personal opinion.
“We’re not talking about a personal assessment of Benjamin Netanyahu,” Mamdani said. “We’re talking about the International Criminal Court and the fact that they have a warrant out for this prime minister’s arrest.”
Mamdani added that, as mayor, he intends to follow applicable laws while determining how the city would respond if Netanyahu arrives for the U.N. gathering.
Netanyahu Pushes Back
In a recent interview with WABC radio host Sid Rosenberg, Netanyahu rejected Mamdani’s remarks and claimed the New York City mayor was sympathetic to Hamas.
“He’s with the terror actors,” Netanyahu said. “I think the problem is that he doesn’t recognize and he doesn’t care that those who hate the Jews and Israel ultimately hate America.”
World Leaders Expected In New York
The annual United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to take place in New York City this September, bringing dozens of world leaders together for meetings on major international issues. Netanyahu has attended the event numerous times in previous years, although his plans for this year’s session have not been officially confirmed.
The possibility of the Israeli prime minister traveling to New York has drawn additional attention because of the ICC arrest warrant and ongoing international debate surrounding the war in Gaza.
While the United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court, Mamdani’s comments have sparked questions about how local officials would respond if a foreign leader facing an ICC warrant were to visit New York City.
If Netanyahu attends this year’s U.N. General Assembly, the issue is expected to generate significant political and legal debate, adding another flashpoint to the already heated discussion over U.S. policy toward Israel and the conflict in the Middle East.