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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says his administration cannot arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on an International Criminal Court warrant, but he’s calling on the federal government to do it.
Mamdani posted a video on social media on Tuesday to make his position clear.
“Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City. Nor is any other war criminal at large,” he said in the video.
The mayor referenced an arrest warrant issued by the ICC in November 2024 that accuses Netanyahu of crimes against humanity and war crimes connected to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The ICC warrant alleges Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant used starvation as a method of warfare by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeting civilians.
Israeli officials deny the charges. The warrant did not mention genocide, though Mamdani referenced genocide in his video.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, 73,000 people have been killed in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza since the war began.
Mamdani’s administration reviewed whether New York City could execute the ICC warrant against Netanyahu.
After examining the legal options, the mayor determined the city doesn’t have the authority to enforce it.
However, he believes the federal government does.
“With their eyes, with their heart, with their conscience, should recognize the devastation he has wrought and understand that he belongs before a court of law,” Mamdani said in the video, speaking directly about Netanyahu.
Netanyahu is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York City in September.
The timing of Mamdani’s video and statements puts pressure on federal authorities to decide how to handle the situation.
Mamdani told the New York Times earlier this month that he and the city’s legal department were discussing the possibility of arresting Netanyahu if he visits New York.
His latest video doubles down on that position while acknowledging the city’s legal limitations.
“We can decide whether our silence will become another weapon. And we can examine every tool we have to defend the humanity and dignity of all people. That is my commitment to you,” Mamdani said.
President Donald Trump responded to Mamdani’s position with a social media post.
“Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America,” Trump wrote.
The post didn’t directly mention Mamdani but was clearly a response to the mayor’s statements.
Trump has taken a strong stance against the ICC. The president signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court for targeting the U.S. and its allies, including Israel.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations criticized Mamdani’s post, saying the mayor was elected to serve New Yorkers, not to make international political statements.
The ambassador’s response highlights the diplomatic tension surrounding the issue.
Mamdani’s comments align with positions he took during his mayoral campaign.
The former rapper and state assemblymember has built his political identity around activism and social justice issues. His stance on Netanyahu reflects his broader commitment to human rights and accountability.
