New York Mayor Admits City Lacks Authority to Arrest Netanyahu Despite ICC Warrant

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday that the city does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York in September for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani shared in a video on X that his team reviewed the legal options regarding the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu but concluded that the city cannot independently enforce the order.

Despite this, Mamdani maintained his opposition to Netanyahu's presence in New York, labeling him a war criminal and accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. He urged the federal government to support the ICC and act accordingly. Mamdani also promised to continue exploring any legal measures available.

This admission follows recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that Netanyahu would not be arrested while in the United States. Trump emphasized that attention should instead focus on Iran's leadership, which he blamed for years of violence and terrorism. Mamdani's earlier remarks to The New York Times had suggested that he believed Netanyahu belonged in The Hague and that consultations were ongoing about whether the New York Police Department could enforce the ICC warrant.

After completing the legal review, Mamdani clarified that such authority lies beyond the city's jurisdiction, though he still supports federal enforcement of the ICC's decision.