New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum following his remarks labeling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal" who "belongs in the Hague."
During an interview with The New York Times, Mamdani stated that his legal team was exploring the possibility of arresting Netanyahu if he visits New York City for the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting on September 8. Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, said he believes Netanyahu should face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for actions in Gaza. "He’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court," Mamdani said, adding that his legal team is "actively discussing" the potential for arrest.
Mamdani also affirmed his commitment to upholding New York City's laws, stating, "I’ve also said that I will follow the laws that we have here in New York City because I believe that there is an importance in following the law as a leader who presides over our city."
The mayor's comments quickly generated backlash. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz characterized Mamdani's statement as "pure political theater" and asserted that federal authority supersedes any local mayor's wishes. Waltz outlined several reasons why such an arrest would be legally impossible, including the U.S. not being a party to the Rome Statute, the UN Headquarters Agreement granting diplomatic protections, head-of-state immunity, and federal jurisdiction overriding local authority.
House Republicans echoed Waltz's sentiments, urging Mamdani to concentrate on local issues such as rising rent, housing prices, and antisemitism in New York City, rather than interfering with U.S. foreign policy and threatening the leader of a close ally.
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams described Mamdani's remarks as "reckless," emphasizing that such threats are inappropriate for the city's leadership. "Threatening to arrest the democratically elected leader of one of America’s closest allies during UN General Assembly week isn’t bold. It’s reckless," Adams stated on X, formerly Twitter. He also indicated he anticipates welcoming Netanyahu to the city.
Brooklyn City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov criticized Mamdani for meddling in foreign affairs instead of addressing the city's domestic challenges, including the homeless epidemic and affordability crisis.
Senator John Fetterman also urged Mamdani to "sit down" and focus on New York's problems, calling the mayor's comments unfounded. "America’s not even part of that corrupt court," Fetterman said in an interview with Fox News, suggesting Mamdani's purview does not extend to such matters.
Mamdani's assessment of Netanyahu as an alleged war criminal stems from an ICC arrest warrant issued on November 21, 2024, which accuses the prime minister of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu has previously stated that the Israeli military is "acting as morally as possible" and accused Hamas of genocide in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Mamdani has previously expressed support for Palestinian rights and notably skipped the annual Israel Day Parade in New York City, citing his stance against the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. He was the first New York City mayor in over 60 years to not attend the parade. At the time, he assured New Yorkers that his decision would not impact the city's commitment to ensuring safety during the event.