Fox Business Analyst Warns Iranian Activist Faces Federal Prison for Attempting to Arrest Netanyahu in New York

Fox Business commentator Mark Thiessen warned that if Zoharan Mamadani attempts to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, Mamadani could face federal criminal charges and up to 10 years in prison. Mamadani has threatened to detain Netanyahu following arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Thiessen cited two U.S. federal laws that protect Netanyahu, who is considered a foreign official under international law. The first, 22 U.S. Code §7423, prohibits state or local authorities from cooperating with the ICC regarding U.S. allies. The second, 18 U.S. Code §112, protects foreign officials and guests, making any attempt to arrest Netanyahu a federal offense.

Thiessen explained that Mamadani’s public threats could be seen as intimidation of a foreign official, punishable by up to six months in prison. If Mamadani orders New York police, who are armed, to arrest Netanyahu, the penalty could increase to 10 years. Thiessen urged President Donald Trump to instruct the Attorney General to clarify that any such attempt would result in federal prosecution. Fox Business host Larry Kudlow supported Thiessen’s legal analysis on air, emphasizing that it reflects existing U.S. law.