New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city lacks legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court warrant. However, he urged the US federal government to enforce the warrant if Netanyahu visits the United States. The remarks came ahead of Netanyahu’s expected UN General Assembly trip.
Mamdani said his administration reviewed all available legal options before reaching its conclusion. According to the mayor, New York City cannot independently execute the ICC arrest warrant. He nevertheless called on the federal government to take action.
Read more: Mamdani says New York cannot enforce ICC warrant
The statement marks a shift from Mamdani’s earlier campaign pledge to arrest Netanyahu if he entered New York City. He previously said his administration was examining the legal basis for such action. Tuesday’s announcement confirmed the review found no local authority.
Meanwhile, the ICC issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The court cited alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict. Israeli officials have denied the allegations.
Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. pic.twitter.com/YRezmW6YVx
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 22, 2026
The issue has gained attention because Netanyahu is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September. Moreover, legal experts have questioned whether US local authorities can enforce ICC warrants. The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute.
Read more: NYC mayor Mamdani mulls whether he can order Israeli PM’s arrest
US President Donald Trump rejected any possibility of Netanyahu’s arrest during a US visit. Additionally, the Trump administration does not recognise the ICC’s authority and has sought sanctions against the court. Israeli officials also criticised Mamdani’s remarks.
Therefore, the debate over ICC jurisdiction and US legal authority is expected to continue. The controversy may intensify as Netanyahu’s anticipated visit to New York approaches. The issue also highlights tensions between international law and domestic legal powers.