London Mayor and Maryland Governor Join Calls to Enforce ICC Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have joined New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in urging their governments to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from visiting their jurisdictions and to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him. Khan, a prominent British Labour figure, stated firmly that anyone accused of genocide must face trial and pledged to pressure the UK Prime Minister to enforce the law should Netanyahu visit London. He declared, "People who commit genocide are not welcome in London," sparking a diplomatic controversy.

Governor Moore echoed these sentiments, accusing Netanyahu of war crimes, specifically citing the use of starvation as a weapon. Moore emphasized that Netanyahu must be held accountable. Maryland’s strategic location is significant because foreign leaders visiting the White House typically land at Andrews Air Force Base within the state’s borders, raising questions about potential enforcement of the ICC warrant. However, Moore’s office declined to comment on whether they would attempt to arrest Netanyahu if he landed there.

This development follows Mayor Mamdani’s admission that New York City lacks the authority to enforce the ICC arrest warrant, despite his harsh criticism of Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people." The statements from these U.S. and UK officials have provoked strong backlash in Israel. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned Mamdani’s remarks as antisemitic and historically misguided, while U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog called for Mamdani’s arrest for incitement. Republican Senator Tim Scott also dismissed Mamdani’s accusations as absurd, highlighting the lack of condemnation for Palestinian militants who initiated recent violence.

The Trump administration previously clarified that the U.S. would not enforce the ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu, affirming his welcome in Washington. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions surrounding Netanyahu’s international visits amid legal and political challenges linked to the ICC investigation.