Zohran Mamdani Says New York City Cannot Enforce ICC Arrest Warrant Against Benjamin Netanyahu

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said the city does not have the legal authority to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a video statement released on Tuesday, Mamdani said his administration had reviewed the legal options available but concluded that the responsibility to act, if at all, rests with the US federal government rather than municipal authorities.

Mamdani Calls for Federal Action

Explaining his position, Mamdani said New York City cannot independently execute the ICC warrant under existing legal authority.

However, he urged the federal government to take up the matter and argued that it should engage with the ICC process regarding the warrant.

The mayor also reiterated his opposition to Netanyahu visiting New York, stating that individuals accused of serious international crimes should not be welcomed in the city.

Earlier Remarks on Netanyahu Visit

Mamdani's comments come weeks after he indicated that his administration was examining legal options if Netanyahu were to visit New York during the United Nations General Assembly later this year.

During his mayoral campaign, he had also stated that he would explore ways to comply with the ICC warrant if the opportunity arose.

His latest statement, however, clarifies that after reviewing the legal framework, the city concluded it lacks the jurisdiction to enforce the international court's order.

Trump Says Netanyahu Will Not Be Arrested

US President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, stating that Netanyahu would not face arrest while visiting the United States.

Although the President did not directly mention Mamdani, his comments came amid growing public discussion over whether the ICC warrant could be enforced on US soil.

The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court and does not recognise the court's jurisdiction over its citizens or automatically enforce its warrants.

Israel Rejects Allegations

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, strongly criticised Mamdani's remarks, accusing him of focusing on political messaging instead of municipal responsibilities.

Danon rejected the mayor's position and urged him to prioritise issues affecting New York residents.

Background of the ICC Warrant

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations linked to the war in Gaza.

The ICC alleges there are reasonable grounds to believe the two leaders committed crimes against humanity and war crimes, including allegations related to restrictions on humanitarian aid and attacks affecting civilians.

Israeli authorities have rejected the accusations and continue to deny any wrongdoing.

The legal and diplomatic dispute surrounding the warrants remains a subject of international debate, with differing positions among governments regarding the ICC's jurisdiction and authority.

Key Highlights

• Zohran Mamdani said New York City cannot legally enforce the ICC warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu.
• The mayor urged the US federal government to take any action it considers appropriate.
• Mamdani clarified his position after previously discussing legal options regarding Netanyahu's possible visit.
• Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not be arrested while in the United States.
• Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon criticised Mamdani's remarks.
• The ICC issued warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant in 2024 over allegations linked to the Gaza conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What did Zohran Mamdani say about the ICC warrant?

Mamdani said New York City does not have the legal authority to enforce the ICC arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu.

Can New York City arrest Benjamin Netanyahu under the ICC warrant?

According to Mamdani, the city lacks independent legal authority to execute the warrant.

What did Donald Trump say?

Trump stated that Benjamin Netanyahu would not be arrested while visiting the United States.

Why did the ICC issue an arrest warrant?

The ICC issued warrants in 2024 over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to the conflict in Gaza. Israeli officials deny the allegations.

How did Israel respond?

Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon criticised Mamdani's remarks and rejected his position.

Is the United States a member of the ICC?

No. The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court.