NEW YORK: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on the U.S. federal government to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and enforce its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while acknowledging that the city itself does not have the legal authority to make such an arrest.
In a video statement shared on social media, Mamdani said that although New York City had reviewed the legal framework surrounding the issue, municipal authorities do not possess the jurisdiction to arrest a foreign head of government based on an ICC warrant.
“As mayor, I do not have the legal authority to order such an arrest,” Mamdani said, adding that this authority, if applicable, rests with the U.S. federal government.
He urged federal authorities to cooperate with the ICC and take steps regarding the warrant issued against Netanyahu.
Mamdani also stated that he agrees with the ICC’s decision to issue the arrest warrant, saying he supports the court’s position.
According to the mayor, New York City officials examined all relevant legal provisions concerning the enforcement of the ICC warrant and concluded that existing law does not authorize the city government to detain the Israeli prime minister.
The mayor went on to sharply criticize Netanyahu, accusing him of committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinians. He also alleged that Netanyahu bears responsibility for the deaths of more than 73,000 people and declared that the Israeli leader would not be welcome in New York City.
These allegations reflect Mamdani’s stated views. Israel has consistently rejected accusations of genocide and war crimes related to its military operations in Gaza.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants related to the conflict, while Israel disputes the ICC’s jurisdiction over the matter. The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, and has historically taken differing positions regarding the court’s authority.
At the time of reporting, there was no immediate response from the White House or the Israeli government regarding Mamdani’s latest remarks.
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