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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said that the city does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite earlier promises to do so. In a video posted on social media late Tuesday, Mamdani said his administration had reviewed "every avenue available under applicable law" and concluded that the city could not execute the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Netanyahu. He urged the federal government to act instead.

"It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant," Mamdani said in the video, as reported by multiple outlets. "The federal government, however, does – and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant."

Mamdani also reiterated his view that Netanyahu is a "war criminal" and said he is "not welcome in New York City." The announcement comes ahead of Netanyahu's expected visit to New York in September for the UN General Assembly.

Coverage Comparison

The story was covered by several international outlets, including the BBC, France 24, The Guardian, The Hindu, and the Jerusalem Post. Most reports focused on Mamdani's statement and the legal context, while the Jerusalem Post also highlighted criticism of Mamdani's stance from Jewish organizations and questioned his motives.

Key Claims

  • Mamdani's statement on authority: Mamdani said the city lacks the independent legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant, as reported by the BBC, France 24, The Guardian, The Hindu, and the Jerusalem Post.
  • ICC arrest warrant: The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza, as reported by multiple outlets.
  • Trump's statement: President Donald Trump said Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America," as reported by the BBC, France 24, The Guardian, and The Hindu.
  • Netanyahu's expected travel: Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York in September for the UN General Assembly, as reported by The Guardian and The Hindu.
  • US not an ICC member: The US is not a member of the ICC, as reported by The Guardian and the Jerusalem Post.
  • Mamdani's call for federal action: Mamdani called on US officials to act on the ICC warrant, as reported by the BBC, France 24, The Guardian, and The Hindu.
  • Criticism from Jewish organizations: The Jerusalem Post reported criticism from Jewish organizations, including the UJA-Federation and the Orthodox Union, as well as from Israeli officials.

Perspectives

Mamdani's position

Mamdani has consistently described Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and said he believes Netanyahu "belongs in The Hague." He has called on the federal government to join the ICC and execute the warrant, while also stating that Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City.

Israeli and Jewish community response

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon responded to Mamdani's remarks by saying "enough," and accused the mayor of serving "Hamas' propaganda." The Jerusalem Post also reported that the UJA-Federation opened its statement with "Shame on you," and the Orthodox Union said the video "endangers Jewish New Yorkers" and peddles "lies and misinformation that risk inciting further violence against Jews." Gadi Eisenkot, an Israeli politician, called Mamdani's remarks "pure antisemitism, with no basis in fact."