New York Mayor Declares No Authority to Enforce ICC Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani stated on Wednesday night that he lacks the legal authority to enforce the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani explained that his administration reviewed all possible legal avenues to determine if they could act on the ICC's warrant should Netanyahu visit New York. He clarified that while the city does not have independent jurisdiction to enforce the order, the federal government does, and he urged it to cooperate with the ICC and carry out the warrant.

Mamdani strongly condemned Netanyahu, calling him a war criminal and the architect of a genocide against the Palestinian people, responsible for the deaths of over 73,000 Palestinians. He emphasized that Netanyahu is not welcome in New York, nor are any other alleged war criminals. Mamdani hinted at exploring additional measures to oppose Netanyahu, stating the city could consider all available tools to uphold humanity and dignity.

Earlier, Mamdani had announced efforts to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, particularly if the prime minister attends the UN General Assembly in New York this September. In response, Netanyahu dismissed the ICC as a "kangaroo court" lacking authority over Israelis or Americans and criticized Mamdani for focusing on the warrant instead of addressing local issues. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, asserting that Netanyahu would not be arrested during his visit to the United States.

The dispute highlights tensions between local New York authorities, the federal government, and international legal bodies regarding the enforcement of ICC rulings and the political implications surrounding Netanyahu's potential visit to the city.