Mamdani says NYC can't arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu, calls on federal government to do so

Labeling him a "war criminal," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged on Tuesday that the city can't arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but called on the federal government to do so.

In a video message posted on X, Mamdani said that "it is clear" his administration does not have the independent legal authority to execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant of Netanyahu.

"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. 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," Mamdani said. "And I want to be equally clear: Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large."

During Mamdani's campaign, he repeatedly promised to arrest Netanyahu on his annual visit to the United Nations General Assembly this September.

On Monday, Mamdani doubled down on that threat.

NJ Burkett has details on Mayor Mamdani's comments.

It would be based on an International Criminal Court warrant accusing the Israeli prime minister of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity as part of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

In a recent interview with The New York Times' "The Interview" podcast, Mamdani said he was in "an active conversation" with his Law Department about whether he could direct the NYPD to arrest Netanyahu.

Netanyahu himself dismissed the threat.

"He's with the terror actors. And, I think the problem is, you know, that he doesn't recognize or he doesn't care that those who hate the Jews and Israel ultimately hate America," Netanyahu said.