Mamdani says he cannot arrest Netanyahu in New York but US government can
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has acknowledged he lacks the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit for the UN General Assembly. The statement follows intense public debate regarding the ICC arrest warrant issued for the Prime Minister.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the tension between local political rhetoric and the limitations of municipal jurisdiction regarding international law and diplomatic immunity.
Link copied Share Share article New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has conceded he cannot order the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu when he sets foot in his city after days of fevered debate about the issue.
The Israeli prime minister, who is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), is expected to travel to New York City to attend the yearly United Nations General Assembly session in September.
Even US President Donald Trump weighed in earlier in the week, saying Mr Netanyahu would be welcomed to the United States.
Mr Mamdani has been a vocal critic of Mr Netanyahu and the Israeli government's policies for some time, particularly over the destruction wrought in Gaza during years of war.
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