Can Netanyahu Be Arrested In New York Over ICC Warrant? Now, Zohran Mamdani Says No

Published 22 July 2026 · world

Can Netanyahu Be Arrested In New York Over ICC Warrant? Now, Zohran Mamdani Says No Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 07:25 IST Zohran

Can Netanyahu Be Arrested In New York Over ICC Warrant? Now, Zohran Mamdani Says No Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 07:25 IST Zohran Mamdani said his administration concluded that New York City lacks the authority to independently execute the ICC's arrest warrant against Netanyahu. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AFP/File) New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his administration does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, days after suggesting that officials were exploring ways to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against the Israeli leader. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zohran Mamdani said his administration had reviewed the legal options available under US law and concluded that New York City lacks the authority to independently execute the ICC’s arrest warrant. “My administration has reviewed every avenue available under applicable law to determine whether New York City could execute the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant if Benjamin Netanyahu came here," Zohran Mamdani said.

He added, “It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant. The federal government, however, does, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant." This marks a shift from comments Zohran Mamdani made in a recent interview in which he said his legal team was examining how the city could carry out the arrest of Netanyahu over what he described as “alleged war crimes." US President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy, saying on Truth Social that Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form." Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, sharply criticised Zohran Mamdani’s remarks. In a post on X, Danon wrote: “You were elected to serve New Yorkers, not Hamas’ propaganda. Do your job!" The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders in 2024, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military operations following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

Israel has strongly rejected the allegations and challenged the court’s jurisdiction. Zohran Mamdani, who has frequently criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and accused the Israeli government of committing genocide, had previously raised the possibility of enforcing the ICC warrant during his mayoral campaign. Netanyahu could travel to New York later this year for the United Nations General Assembly. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Could the US federal government enforce the ICC warrant? New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that his administration lacks the legal authority to independently execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What are the implications if Netanyahu visits New York? New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated his administration concluded that the city lacks the independent legal authority to execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York.