If elected, New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani told The New York Times he would enforce an International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if the leader visited the city during his tenure.
Newsweek has reached out to Mamdani’s campaign, Netanyahu’s office, and several legal scholars for comment via email on Saturday.
Why It Matters
In November, the ICC issued several arrest warrants for leaders involved in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, including Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and a Hamas official.
The court accuses them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the war in Gaza which followed Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military ground and air campaigns in Gaza have killed over 64,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, millions have been displaced, and much of the territory is destroyed.
Mamdani has faced backlash from some New Yorkers over his stance on the Israel-Hamas war, including criticism from Jewish groups and leaders. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s support has waned at home and in the U.S. as the war has dragged on, with Israelis regularly protesting his leadership and pressing for a hostage deal.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani holds a press conference on September 10 at St. James Park in the Bronx.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani holds a press conference on September 10 at St. James Park in the Bronx.
Andrea Renault/STAR MAX/IPx Source STRMX/AP Images
What To Know
Although Netanyahu has traveled freely since the arrest warrant was issued last year, Mamdani said that would change if he became mayor and Netanyahu visited New York. He told the Times on Thursday that if he was in office, he would direct the New York Police Department (NYPD) to arrest Netanyahu upon arrival to the city.
Mamdani’s statement, which would be unprecedented if carried out, raises questions about local and federal jurisdiction.
“This is a moment where we cannot look to the federal government for leadership,” Mamdani told the newspaper. “This is a moment when cities and states will have to demonstrate what it actually looks like to stand up for our own values, our own people.”
He added: “It is my desire to ensure that this be a city that stands up for international law.” Mamdani, according to the report, also called the Israeli a war criminal that is committing genocide, allegations that Netanyahu has long rejected.
The ICC is recognized by 124 member nations, notably excluding the United States and Israel. As Israel is not a member, the court has no authority to compel Israeli officials to appear, but member states are expected to arrest the Israeli leader if he arrives in their territory.
In April, Netanyahu visited Hungary, an ICC member state, and was not arrested.
Mamdani also said he would arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has had an ICC arrest warrant since 2023 over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
What People Are Saying
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a reporter on the matter while at the White House in July: “No, I’m not concerned about that. Look, there’s enough craziness in the world, but I guess it never ends, this is a folly, it’s silly in many ways…”
Matthew C. Waxman, a professor at Columbia Law School, told the Times: “This isn’t even a close call. In my mind, this statement is more a political stunt than a serious law-enforcement policy.”
Representative Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican, wrote in a Saturday X post on the matter: “This is dangerous and absolutely outrageous from this Antisemite Communist who is on pace to destroy NYC. I am calling on @KathyHochul to immediately condemn this and publicly commit to overriding Mamdani’s pledge to arrest @netanyahu.”
What Happens Next?
Netanyahu is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month. New Yorkers will vote for the city’s next mayor on November 4.