New York City Mayor admits limited legal authority
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Tuesday that his administration does not have the legal power to carry out the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani had previously suggested looking into the possibility of arresting Netanyahu if he attended the U.N. General Assembly in September. The mayor’s statement came after earlier discussions about using local resources to enforce the warrant, despite the uncertain legal landscape.
In a video shared on X, Mamdani clarified that the city cannot enforce the warrant, but he insisted the U.S. federal government has the legal authority to take action. He called on the national government to step in and enforce the International Criminal Court's order. Referring to Netanyahu, he described the Israeli leader as a 'war criminal' and stated that he would not be welcome in New York.
Earlier calls to arrest Netanyahu drew national attention
In earlier talks with the New York Times, Mamdani had explained that he and the city’s legal experts were investigating the legal possibility of executing the arrest warrant if Netanyahu attended the U.N. General Assembly in September. The mayor's remarks generated a wave of controversy and led to a sharp response from Israeli officials. Mamdani had long made this issue a point of his mayoral campaign, vowing to use city police to carry out the court's orders if needed.
ICC accuses Netanyahu of crimes against humanity
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. The court alleged that both leaders were involved in using 'starvation as a method of warfare' by limiting aid to civilians and intentionally targeting people in Israel's military operations in Gaza. Israeli officials have consistently denied these allegations.
U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, posting on social media that Netanyahu 'will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.' Trump's message, however, did not directly mention Mamdani.
Mamdani emphasized in his video that his administration had thoroughly reviewed all potential legal pathways and decided New York City could not take unilateral action. He reiterated that 'no war criminal at large' should be allowed to attend any event in the city, reinforcing his position.
Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the U.N., responded to Mamdani’s comments, stating, 'You were elected to serve New Yorkers, not Hamas’ propaganda.' Danon's remarks were posted on social media and demanded that Mamdani focus on his duties to the city’s residents.
The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants, issued in 2024, have drawn international attention and raised questions about the legal responsibilities of both the U.S. and Israeli governments. The allegations against Netanyahu and Gallant are part of a broader investigation into actions taken during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.