Video: NYC Mayor, Mamdani urges Trump to enforce ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu
Abdullateef Fowewe
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on the US government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant over alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict.
In a video statement, Mamdani could be heard saying, “I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague. He’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court.”
He added that New York City’s legal department is “actively considering what the law allows” regarding potential enforcement.
The ICC issued the arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024. The United States and Israel are not members of the Hague-based court, and Israel has rejected its jurisdiction while denying the allegations of war crimes.
President Donald Trump responded firmly, stating on social media, “Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.”
Netanyahu is expected to visit New York in September for the UN General Assembly.
Israel criticised Mamdani’s position, calling the ICC a “kangaroo court” and the warrant “bogus,” while accusing the mayor of diverting attention from other issues.
Mamdani, who took office in January, had previously pledged during his campaign to direct police to arrest Netanyahu if he visited the city.
