New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed that the city lacks the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit the United States later this year. In a video shared on social media, Mamdani stated that after a thorough review of legal avenues concerning the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Netanyahu, it was determined that New York City does not have the capacity to enforce such an order.

Despite this limitation, Mamdani urged the federal government to acknowledge the ICC warrant and take necessary action. He labeled Netanyahu as a war criminal, asserting that neither the Israeli Prime Minister nor anyone else facing similar allegations would be welcomed in New York City. Netanyahu is slated to visit New York in September for the United Nations General Assembly, a trip that has been the focus of Mamdani’s efforts since his mayoral campaign, where he vowed to explore legal means to uphold the ICC warrant if Netanyahu entered the city.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024, citing alleged war crimes. However, the United States, which is not a member of the ICC, does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction. This complicates any potential legal action against Netanyahu during his visit to American soil. Mamdani’s call to action highlights the ongoing debate about the scope and influence of international legal bodies in the U.S., particularly concerning foreign leaders.

In response to Mamdani’s remarks, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the mayor’s stance, insisting that Netanyahu would not be arrested in the United States and defending the actions of the Israeli leader. Netanyahu, brushing off the controversy, expressed indifference to Mamdani’s comments, indicating he has no concerns over the potential legal threats posed during his upcoming visit.