New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has stated that the city lacks the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, backtracking on a campaign promise. Mamdani, however, called on the federal government to execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant if Netanyahu visits New York.
Mamdani, who previously branded Netanyahu a "war criminal," acknowledged in a video posted to X that his administration reviewed available legal avenues and found that New York City cannot independently enforce the ICC warrant. "The federal government, however, does, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant," Mamdani said.
He reiterated his belief that Netanyahu "belongs in The Hague" and called him a "war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court." Mamdani also made clear that Netanyahu "is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large."
The remarks represent a shift from Mamdani's 2025 mayoral campaign pledge, during which he promised that New York City would arrest Netanyahu should the prime minister visit the city. Mamdani’s comments followed a review by the city's Law Department.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
Netanyahu's office dismissed the ICC's actions, labeling the court a "kangaroo court" with no jurisdiction over Israelis. The Prime Minister is expected to travel to New York in September for the United Nations General Assembly.