NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Urges U.S. to Enforce ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu, Says City Lacks Legal Authority

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on the United States government to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York later this year, while acknowledging that the city itself has no legal authority to carry out such an arrest.

Speaking at a news conference, Mamdani reaffirmed his support for the ICC and urged the federal government to join the international tribunal and execute its arrest warrants. He said that while New York City cannot independently enforce the warrant, federal authorities possess the legal powers necessary to take action should they choose to do so.

The mayor’s remarks came a day after he described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and declared that the Israeli leader was “not welcome in New York City” in a video message shared on social media. In that statement, Mamdani also admitted that his administration could not direct the New York Police Department to arrest Netanyahu if he attends the United Nations General Assembly in September.

During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani had pledged to explore legal options that could allow city authorities to detain Netanyahu if he entered New York. He later said his administration had consulted legal experts to determine whether any such authority existed. After reviewing the matter, he concluded that the city does not possess the legal jurisdiction to enforce an ICC warrant.

Despite that conclusion, Mamdani maintained that the responsibility now rests with the U.S. federal government. He argued that Washington should recognize the authority of the International Criminal Court and act on its warrants, including the one issued against Netanyahu.

The mayor also rejected criticism that the conflict in Gaza falls outside the responsibilities of New York City’s leadership. He said the humanitarian situation has deeply affected many New Yorkers and that events overseas have become an issue of moral concern for communities across the city.

Mamdani’s comments have generated significant political debate across the United States. His outspoken support for Palestinian rights has remained one of the defining features of his political career, and his latest remarks have further highlighted divisions over U.S. policy toward Israel.

Supporters praised the mayor for taking a principled position on international justice and human rights. Some legal scholars and activists argued that although he lacks enforcement authority, his public statements demonstrate support for international legal institutions and accountability.

Others, however, criticized Mamdani for exceeding the traditional role of a municipal leader. Several pro-Israel officials accused him of engaging in political theatre rather than focusing on local governance.

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman dismissed the mayor’s position, arguing that the United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court and therefore has no obligation to enforce its rulings. Other political figures questioned whether a city mayor should involve himself in matters of international diplomacy and foreign policy.

Some New York lawmakers also suggested reviewing whether Mamdani’s statements raised any legal concerns under state law, while Israeli officials dismissed his comments as politically motivated.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The allegations include using starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. Israeli authorities reject the accusations and dispute the court’s jurisdiction.

Neither the United States nor Israel is a member of the International Criminal Court. Successive U.S. administrations have opposed the court’s jurisdiction over American citizens and officials from allied countries. The current U.S. administration has also continued to reject the ICC’s authority regarding Israel.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump stated that Netanyahu would not be arrested while visiting the United States. Trump defended the Israeli leader, describing him as an important ally and indicating that his administration would not cooperate with efforts to execute the ICC warrant.

Trump also criticized the court’s actions and reiterated the long-standing American position opposing the tribunal’s authority over U.S. allies.

Mamdani acknowledged that this federal stance leaves little possibility of the warrant being enforced during any future visit by Netanyahu. Nevertheless, he maintained that the issue should remain part of the broader discussion surrounding international justice and accountability.

Netanyahu has previously dismissed Mamdani’s earlier campaign pledge regarding a possible arrest, saying he was not concerned by the mayor’s statements. The Israeli prime minister’s office has also criticized Mamdani for targeting Israel’s leadership while defending the country’s democratic institutions and rejecting the legitimacy of the International Criminal Court.

The controversy has once again highlighted growing political divisions in the United States over the war in Gaza, international law and America’s relationship with Israel. While supporters view Mamdani’s position as a defense of international accountability, critics argue that foreign policy and treaty obligations remain matters exclusively for the federal government.

Although New York City lacks the legal authority to enforce ICC warrants, Mamdani’s statements have intensified debate over the role of local leaders in international human rights issues and the continuing global controversy surrounding the International Criminal Court and its decisions.

Courtesy: theguardian