Mamdani calls Netanyahu a ‘war criminal,’ urges US to enforce ICC warrant

New York City Mayor Mamdani has officially acknowledged that the city lacks the independent legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The admission follows a week of back-and-forth discussions regarding the prime minister’s expected visit to the city this September for the United Nations General Assembly.

Mamdani, who had previously floated the idea of detaining Netanyahu upon his arrival, clarified his administration’s position in a video posted to social media.

“We do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant,” the mayor stated. However, he made his personal and political stance clear, adding, “Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City.”

The controversy centers around an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2024. The warrant targets Netanyahu for alleged war crimes related to the war in Gaza.

Despite recognizing the city’s legal limitations, Mamdani urged higher authorities to intervene.

“The federal government, however, does,” Mamdani stated. “And I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant.”

Enforcing the warrant remains legally unfeasible under current U.S. policy, as the United States does not recognize the ICC’s authority. Consequently, the international court holds no jurisdiction over legal matters within the U.S.

President Donald Trump quickly weighed in on the controversy, taking to Truth Social to push back against the mayor’s declarations.

Trump firmly stated that Netanyahu “will not be arrested in any way, shape or form while in the United States of America.”

International law professor Donald Rothwell joins LiveNOW’s Shawna Khalafi to discuss.

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