New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has walked back his previous campaign promise to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit the city. Following a review of legal options, Mamdani stated that his administration does not possess the independent authority to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The mayor, who previously characterized the Prime Minister as a war criminal during his mayoral campaign, addressed the matter in a social media video. While acknowledging that he cannot personally order the arrest, Mamdani maintained that Netanyahu is "not welcome" in New York City, where the Prime Minister is anticipated to attend the UN General Assembly this September.
Mamdani’s shift in position follows a public exchange involving President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, President Trump asserted that Netanyahu would not face arrest while in the United States, citing the country's non-membership in the ICC. The President further defended the Israeli leader's actions regarding Iran.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 concerning allegations of war crimes in Gaza. While the court holds jurisdiction over member states that have signed the Rome Statute, the United States is not a party to the treaty. Mamdani has urged the federal government to join the ICC and take action on the warrant.
The mayor's initial comments, which included claims of "active conversations" with law enforcement regarding a potential arrest, drew sharp criticism. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon accused Mamdani of prioritizing "Hamas' propaganda" over his duties to New York residents.
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