New York Mayor Mamdani Says He Lacks Authority to Arrest Netanyahu Despite ICC Warrant

Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, announced on July 22, 2026, that the city lacks the legal authority to enforce the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a video statement, Mamdani called on the federal government to carry out the arrest, declaring Netanyahu unwelcome in New York. Mamdani accused Netanyahu of war crimes, blaming Israel for the deaths of over 73,000 Palestinians and describing the violence as systematic murder. He also condemned attacks on hospitals, the starvation of civilians, and harm to aid workers and journalists.

This clarification came days after Mamdani sparked controversy by pledging in a New York Times interview to arrest Netanyahu ahead of the UN General Assembly. His remarks prompted a public response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated Netanyahu would not be arrested during his visit to the United States and defended Israel's actions while blaming Iran for widespread destruction.

Israeli officials strongly rejected Mamdani's threats, urging him to focus on repairing the damage his policies have caused New York rather than attacking Israel, described as the only democracy in the Middle East. Government sources emphasized that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Israeli or American citizens and dismissed the arrest warrant as baseless. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon and New York Consul Ophir Akunis also denied Mamdani's authority and accused him of fueling antisemitism instead of managing the city.