New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on US federal authorities to enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during any future visit to the city.
Mamdani said he supported the ICC’s decision and described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
However, he said a review by the city’s legal department found that New York authorities did not have independent legal powers to execute the warrant.
“The city did not have the independent legal authority to do so,” Mamdani said, referring to whether the New York Police Department could arrest Netanyahu during an expected visit in September.
He argued that responsibility would instead rest with the federal government, which holds authority over international and diplomatic matters.
In a video posted on X, Mamdani said Netanyahu was “not welcome in New York City” and accused his government of responsibility for widespread civilian deaths and attacks affecting children, journalists, medical facilities and humanitarian workers in Gaza.
He also criticised continued US funding for weapons used by Israel and said the ICC warrant reflected the seriousness of the allegations facing the Israeli leader.
“Anyone with a conscience should recognise the destruction he has caused and accept that he should stand trial,” Mamdani said.
He added that although New York City could not end the war in Gaza by itself, its authorities and residents should not remain silent about Palestinian suffering.
US President Donald Trump has said Netanyahu would not be arrested while visiting the United States.
Follow the latest news on Google News
