Netanyahu's Future in Doubt? Mamdani Weighs Arrest Order

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is actively deliberating the legality of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in the city for the U.N. General Assembly in September. Mamdani, who assumed office in January and campaigned on the promise to detain Netanyahu, confirmed to “The Interview” podcast that his administration is consulting its legal department to determine if ordering the New York Police Department to apprehend the Prime Minister would be within the bounds of the law.

The mayor expressed his belief that Prime Minister Netanyahu “belongs in The Hague,” referring to the seat of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC, which investigates genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. This warrant has become a focal point of international debate and diplomatic tensions.

Both the Trump and Biden administrations in the United States have vehemently criticized the ICC for its decision, maintaining a stance of support for Netanyahu during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli offensive was launched following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas militants, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that Israel’s retaliatory actions led to 73,250 Palestinian casualties before a ceasefire last year, with the majority identified as women and children, though the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Netanyahu himself has condemned the ICC’s arrest warrant as an “antisemitic move” aimed at deterring Israel from its right to self-defense. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, dismissed Mayor Mamdani’s comments on X, stating that Netanyahu would still come to New York, address the U.N. General Assembly with pride, and articulate “Israel’s truth and its unwavering right to defend its citizens.”

Furthermore, the U.S. has actively opposed the ICC’s actions against Israel. During his second term, President Trump imposed sanctions on the ICC, including targeting officials involved in the Israeli probe, and issued an executive order accusing the court of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.” This consistent American support for Israel has created a divide within the Democratic party, as evidenced by a recent vote where 103 House Democrats sought to cut off military aid to Israel for the upcoming fiscal year, though the amendment ultimately failed.