Listen to the article
In a controversial stance that has drawn both criticism and support, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has publicly stated he would attempt to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit the city, honoring the International Criminal Court’s recent arrest warrant.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist and long-time pro-Palestinian activist, made the initial pledge during a December 2024 interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan for Zeteo News. When asked if he would welcome Netanyahu to New York, Mamdani responded unequivocally: “No. As mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu. This is a city that — our values are in line with international law. It’s time that our actions are also.”
The mayor-elect has since doubled down on this position in multiple interviews, including with The New York Times in September, where he reportedly stated he would order the New York Police Department to make the arrest. Mamdani suggested state and local Democrats needed to demonstrate leadership “where the federal government will not.”
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on November 21, 2024, accusing him of “war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts” during Israel’s operations in Gaza.
Legal experts, however, point to significant obstacles that would likely prevent Mamdani from carrying out such an arrest. The United States is not a signatory to the ICC, meaning the court has no legal jurisdiction in the country. Additionally, several federal laws protect foreign leaders visiting the U.S., and the Constitution grants the federal government primary authority over foreign affairs.
During his October 2025 interview with Zeteo News, Mamdani appeared to acknowledge these limitations, stating, “I’m going to operate within the bounds of the law. I’m not Donald Trump seeking to create my own legal system.” Nevertheless, he emphasized that “the time of not only tolerating, but celebrating, Benjamin Netanyahu in this city… has to come to an end.”
The controversy has already drawn reaction from the highest levels of government. During a July meeting at the White House, Trump and Netanyahu publicly addressed Mamdani’s pledge. Netanyahu stated he was “not concerned” and that Trump, whom he called his “big brother,” would accompany him to New York. Trump responded with a smile, saying, “I’ll get him out.”
In February, the Trump administration placed sanctions on the ICC in response to the arrest warrant against Netanyahu, further complicating any attempt to enforce it on American soil.
Mamdani has compared his stance to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision in 2004, as San Francisco mayor, to defy federal law and issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples—a move that was eventually overturned by courts.
For Mamdani, the issue transcends legal technicalities and speaks to his core political identity. “I hear about it from New Yorkers everywhere,” he told Hasan in October. “I hear about it because it is an affront to any kind of universal belief in the sanctity of humanity, of justice, of safety.”
The mayor-elect’s position reflects growing tensions within Democratic politics over U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly following the prolonged conflict in Gaza. His stance has energized his progressive base while alarming others concerned about disrupting diplomatic norms and international relations.
As Mamdani prepares to take office as mayor of America’s largest city, his promise to arrest Netanyahu remains symbolic rather than practical—a statement of values that would likely face insurmountable legal barriers if ever put to the test.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
11 Comments
Interesting development in the ongoing saga of international politics and law. While Mamdani’s pledge has strong symbolic value, the practical legal hurdles to arresting a foreign leader on US soil seem formidable.
Indeed, the arrest warrant from the ICC may carry moral weight, but enforcing it domestically would likely face significant challenges.
Mamdani’s pledge raises important questions about the balance between local authority, national sovereignty, and international law. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
As a supporter of international justice, I appreciate Mamdani’s willingness to challenge the status quo. However, the practical implications of such an action warrant careful consideration.
I’m curious to see how this plays out. Mamdani seems determined to take a principled stand, but the feasibility of actually arresting Netanyahu in NYC remains uncertain.
Mamdani’s stance is admirable, but the legal obstacles he faces in trying to arrest a foreign leader on US soil seem formidable. I wonder how he plans to navigate the jurisdictional issues involved.
This is a complex issue that touches on the intersection of local, national, and international law. It will be interesting to see how the mayor’s pledge is received and whether it can be successfully implemented.
This is a bold and controversial move by Mamdani. I’m curious to see how it plays out, both in terms of the legal challenges and the political fallout.
While I applaud the mayor-elect’s commitment to upholding international law, the feasibility of his pledge to arrest Netanyahu in NYC seems questionable. The legal hurdles are likely to be significant.
This is a complex issue with valid concerns on all sides. Upholding international law is important, but the mayor’s authority to override federal jurisdiction on such matters is questionable.
Agreed. The mayor’s stance is bold, but the legal technicalities could make it difficult to follow through, regardless of the moral arguments.