Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on allegations of war crimes, has stated that he still intends to visit New York—even after incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani vowed to direct the New York Police Department to enforce the ICC arrest warrant.
Speaking during a virtual interview at the New York Times DealBook Forum, Netanyahu said, “Yes, I’ll come to New York.”
When asked whether he planned to speak to Mamdani, he replied:
“If he changes his mind and says that we have the right to exist, that’ll be a good opening for a conversation.”
Mamdani’s Position and ICC Context
Zohran Mamdani, who is set to become New York’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, has clarified on several occasions that he supports Israel’s right to exist. However, he has avoided endorsing Israel’s identity specifically as a Jewish state, arguing that no nation should maintain a citizenship hierarchy based on religion.
Mamdani has pledged to enforce ICC arrest warrants for any individual wanted by the court—including Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin—if they enter New York’s jurisdiction.
The ICC announced last year that it had “reasonable grounds” to believe Netanyahu bore responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Israel, the United States, and Russia are among the countries that do not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.
New York hosts the world’s largest Jewish community outside Israel and is also home to the United Nations, where Netanyahu traditionally attends the annual General Assembly. Under international agreements, the U.S. is obligated to provide visas for official UN visits, although past administrations have occasionally restricted entry for political reasons.
Violence in Gaza and Ongoing Ceasefire Efforts
A fragile ceasefire, mediated by Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar with U.S. support, has been in place since October 10. The first phase includes the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian detainees, along with a framework for Gaza’s reconstruction and a new governing structure.
Gaza’s authorities report more than 70,000 people killed—mostly women and children—and around 171,000 injured since October 2023. Some independent experts believe the real death toll may be significantly higher.
