NYC Mayor Mamdani Calls for US to Join ICC, Arrest Netanyahu
Mamdani stated on a podcast that the U.S. should enforce international warrants and referred to the Israeli Prime Minister as the "architect of a horrific genocide."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has stated that the United States should join the International Criminal Court (ICC) and enforce arrest warrants against leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani made these remarks during an appearance on the podcast "This Past Weekend with Theo Von," which aired Thursday.
"If I had my say, the US government would have joined the ICC and honored every single warrant that they've issued," Mamdani said. He further described Netanyahu as the "architect of a horrific genocide."
The ICC has 124 member states, and its jurisdiction covers crimes committed by nationals of member states or on the territory of member states. Neither Israel nor the United States are members of the ICC, and both countries do not recognize the court's authority.
US officials, including members of the Biden administration and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, previously condemned the ICC warrant against Netanyahu, labeling it "shameful," "unserious," and "dangerous."
Mamdani had previously vowed during his mayoral campaign to have Netanyahu arrested if he visited New York City. However, after reviewing legal avenues, he determined he lacked the authority to do so.
During his visit to New York last month for the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu criticized Mamdani's leadership, stating that "Jews no longer feel safe" in the city. Netanyahu also addressed Mamdani's accusations of genocide in Gaza and his wife's past engagement with anti-Israel social media posts.