NYC Politician Seeks Probe into Mayor's Threat to Arrest Netanyahu

A New York State Assemblyman has called for an investigation into whether Mayor Zohran Mamdani violated state law by threatening to order the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. State Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein (D-Brooklyn) sent a letter Monday to State Attorney General Letitia James requesting a probe into potential misconduct by the mayor.

Eichenstein's letter asserts that New York law prohibits local officials from ordering law enforcement to arrest specific individuals. He argued that while elected officials can voice opinions, they cannot use executive authority to direct law enforcement actions based on personal or political views. The assemblyman cited New York penal law, stating that a public servant knowingly performing an unauthorized act and misusing their position to pressure law enforcement into an arrest could be guilty of official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor.

Mamdani, 34, had previously stated his intention to pursue the arrest of Netanyahu should the Israeli leader visit New York City. The mayor recently told The New York Times that he believed Prime Minister Netanyahu "belongs in The Hague" and indicated he was in active discussions about jailing the prime minister during his potential attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in the fall. Mamdani referenced an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Netanyahu, alleging crimes against humanity and war crimes and calling him the "architect of the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza."

Eichenstein's letter also noted that the United States does not recognize the International Criminal Court, suggesting that an ICC warrant could not serve as a legal basis for alleged war crimes in New York. The assemblyman urged James's office to review the matter to determine if any New York State laws were violated or if the actions constitute criminal official misconduct.

Mamdani has stated that his administration will adhere to all applicable local laws. Speaking to reporters on Monday, the mayor reiterated his commitment to following local laws, without further elaboration on the specific situation with Prime Minister Netanyahu.