New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Tuesday that his office cannot execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a video posted to social media, Mamdani said his administration reviewed every legal avenue available and called on federal officials to step in instead.
Why can't New York City arrest Netanyahu?
New York City does not have independent legal authority to enforce an International Criminal Court warrant, Mamdani said. He explained that only the federal government holds that power under current law. Mamdani urged Washington to join the ICC and carry out the arrest if Netanyahu enters the country.
What did Mamdani say about the ICC warrant?
Mamdani said his administration reviewed every avenue available under applicable law to determine whether the city could execute the warrant if Netanyahu came to New York. He concluded the city lacks that independent authority. He then called directly on federal officials, saying the government does have the power and should use it.
The ICC said in 2024 it had reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu bears responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity tied to Israel's offensive in Gaza. That offensive followed the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack across the Israeli border.
What has Trump said about Netanyahu's arrest?
President Donald Trump said Monday that Netanyahu would not face arrest if he attends the United Nations General Assembly summit in New York this September. His comments came a day before Mamdani's video statement addressing the city's legal limits.
What did Mamdani say about Netanyahu personally?
In the video, Mamdani said anyone looking at the situation with their eyes, heart, and conscience should recognize the devastation Netanyahu has caused. He said Netanyahu belongs before a court of law. Mamdani added that he supports the ICC's position that Netanyahu should be arrested and tried, just as he would for anyone else charged by the court.
Netanyahu's office rejected Mamdani's position, calling the ICC a kangaroo court.
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