Mamdani Says New York City Lacks Authority To Arrest Netanyahu

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing AFP, New York City Mayor Mamdani said his office has no legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, but the US federal government could do so and should help enforce the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant. In a short video statement posted Tuesday, July 21, Mamdani said his administration had reviewed all available legal avenues and found that New York City could not independently execute the warrant if Netanyahu came to the city. He added that Netanyahu is a war criminal who should be arrested and tried for his crimes, and said New York City does not welcome him or any other war criminals who have evaded justice. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 over Israel's military operations in Gaza, accusing him of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Mamdani had previously said he was exploring the possibility of arresting Netanyahu during a planned visit for the UN General Assembly in September. US President Trump said Monday that Netanyahu would not be arrested in the United States in any form while he was in the country.