New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said his office cannot enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mamdani shared his statement in a video message on Tuesday. He said his administration reviewed all possible legal options.
However, he concluded that New York City does not have independent authority to carry out the warrant.
He said, “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.”
Moreover, Mamdani called on the US federal government to take action. He said federal authorities have the power to enforce the ICC decision.
He stated, “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.”
ICC Warrant Creates International Debate
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024.
According to the ICC, there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The allegations relate to Israel’s military actions in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.
Meanwhile, Mamdani said accountability should apply to everyone facing charges from the international court.
He added, “I agree with the ICC that Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and tried for his crimes, as I do for anyone else charged by the ICC.”
US Government Rejects Possible Arrest
The issue gained more attention after US President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not be arrested during his visit to New York.
Trump made the statement ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meeting scheduled for September.
Furthermore, Netanyahu’s office rejected Mamdani’s position. Officials also criticized the ICC and dismissed its authority.
The debate has increased tensions over international law and the role of the ICC. Moreover, it has highlighted differences between US officials and international legal institutions.
