In New Video, Mamdani Says New York City Does Not Have Legal Authority to Arrest Netanyahu

Days after noting active talks with city lawyers, mayor calls on federal government to execute International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Israeli leader

July 22nd, 04AM July 22nd, 04AM

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged in a video posted to X on Tuesday that his administration lacks the legal authority to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, but called on the federal government to execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against the Israeli leader.

"My administration has reviewed every avenue available under applicable law to determine whether New York City could execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant if Benjamin Netanyahu came here," Mamdani said in the video.

"It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant. The federal government, however, does, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant."

The video marks a renewal of Mamdani's ongoing campaign against the Israeli leader, with the mayor declaring that Netanyahu is "not welcome" in New York City.

The announcement comes days after Mamdani stated in an interview on The New York Times' show The Interview that there was an "active conversation" underway with the city's legal department regarding the scope of his municipal authority to order an arrest.

During that interview, Mamdani called Netanyahu a "war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court" and stated, "I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in the Hague."

Netanyahu may visit New York later this year to attend the United Nations General Assembly in September. Responding to the mayor's earlier remarks, Netanyahu's office accused Mamdani of "diverting public attention from his follies and attacking the leader of the Jewish state and the only democracy in the Middle East."

President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, posting on Truth Social that Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form."

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel's offensive in Gaza.

At the time, an arrest warrant was also issued against Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, who was killed four months prior.