NYC Mayor Weighs Netanyahu Arrest During UN Visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he is seeking legal advice on whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be arrested if he attends the UN General Assembly in September.

Mamdani cited the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Netanyahu but acknowledged that it remains unclear whether he has the authority to direct New York police to detain a foreign leader. He said the city's legal team is reviewing the issue and that any action would be taken only if permitted by law.

The remarks drew sharp criticism from Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, who said Netanyahu will attend the General Assembly as planned and accused the mayor of inciting hostility against Israel.

Mamdani has previously pledged to enforce ICC arrest warrants against wanted foreign leaders visiting New York, including Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.