New York Mayor Claims City Lacks Authority to Detain Israeli Leader Netanyahu Over Outstanding ICC Order

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Tuesday that his office lacks the authority to enforce the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and instead urged US federal officials to take action.

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Mamdani explained in a video message posted on social media that his administration had thoroughly examined the applicable laws and determined that New York City cannot execute the arrest warrant if Netanyahu were to visit.

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According to Mamdani, it is clear that his office does not possess the independent legal authority to enforce the warrant, but he emphasized that the federal government does have this authority and should join the ICC to execute the warrant.

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The International Criminal Court in The Hague stated in 2024 that it had reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's offensive in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 cross-border attack by Hamas.

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US President Donald Trump declared on Monday that Netanyahu would not face arrest if he attended the United Nations General Assembly summit in New York in September.

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In his video message, Mamdani asserted that anyone with a conscience should recognize the devastation caused by Netanyahu and understand that he should be brought before a court of law.

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Mamdani expressed his agreement with the ICC that Netanyahu should be arrested and tried for his alleged crimes, just like anyone else charged by the ICC.

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Netanyahu's office has dismissed Mamdani's stance, describing the ICC as a kangaroo court.