US President Donald Trump has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested while visiting the United States. His statement followed comments by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said his legal team was reviewing the issue before the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The discussion has sparked debate over the legal authority of local officials to act against foreign leaders facing international court warrants.
Trump Rules Out Any Arrest
Trump dismissed the possibility of Netanyahu’s arrest in a post on social media.
“Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America,” Trump said.
“He is fighting against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani said he was still examining the legal position. He explained that he was unsure whether he had the authority to direct the New York Police Department to detain a foreign leader.
He added that his legal advisers were reviewing the matter ahead of the UN General Assembly.
“Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do, but we won’t be writing our own laws to that end,” Mamdani said.
ICC Warrant Fuels Legal Debate
The debate follows the International Criminal Court’s decision in 2024 to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The court said it had reasonable grounds to believe he was responsible for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Mamdani has openly criticized the Israeli prime minister.
“I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague,” Mamdani told the New York Times. “He’s a war criminal.”
He also said, “And what you will find is that is an opinion that is held by many, purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years.”
Netanyahu Rejects the Claims
Netanyahu’s office dismissed Mamdani’s comments and criticized the International Criminal Court. The Israeli leader also said he was not concerned about the possibility of arrest during his expected visit.
During a recent interview, Netanyahu accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas. However, Mamdani has previously condemned pro-Hamas chants and described Hamas as a “terrorist organisation.”
As the UN General Assembly approaches, the legal debate continues. However, Trump’s statement makes his administration’s position on Netanyahu’s visit clear.
