Mamdani Calls for Federal Response as Netanyahu Arrest Debate Grows

NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Tuesday that New York City does not have the legal authority to execute an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but urged the federal government to do so.

“The federal government however does, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant,” Mamdani said in a video posted on X, describing Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and saying he is not welcome in the city.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in 2024, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza, including using “starvation as a method of warfare” and intentionally targeting civilians. Israeli officials deny the charges.

Mamdani had earlier told the New York Times that he and the city’s legal department were discussing arresting Netanyahu if he comes to New York for the UN General Assembly in September. In his video message, Mamdani said his administration has reviewed all available avenues and determined the city cannot execute the warrant.

President Donald Trump on Monday told Netanyahu in a social media post that he “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.”

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon responded, telling Mamdani: “You were elected to serve New Yorkers, not Hamas’ propaganda. Do your job!”

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