NYC Mayor Mamdani Weighs Legal Options to Arrest Netanyahu During UN Visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he is exploring whether he has legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israeli leader’s upcoming visit for the UN General Assembly in September. Speaking to The New York Times, Mamdani argued that Netanyahu belongs at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, referencing charges filed against him by the court.

Mayor Acknowledges Legal Uncertainty

Mamdani, who has previously described Israel as an apartheid regime, admitted he is unsure whether he actually has the authority to direct the New York Police Department to detain a foreign head of state, saying he is consulting with the city’s legal team to determine what options exist. He said he intends to act within whatever legal boundaries exist in New York City. This isn’t the first time Mamdani has raised the possibility, having previously said he would direct police to enforce ICC arrest warrants against leaders including Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

ICC Charges Stem From Gaza Conflict

The International Criminal Court concluded in 2024 that there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu bore responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Israeli Officials Respond Sharply

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations criticized Mamdani’s comments, accusing him of shifting focus away from his mayoral duties and rising antisemitism in the city in favor of generating attention through attacks on Israel. He said Netanyahu would still address the UN General Assembly as planned. Netanyahu himself has previously accused Mamdani of sympathizing with Hamas and suggested the mayor harbors hostility toward the United States.