Mamdani says he's in 'active conversation' over arresting Netanyahu during NYC visit
WATCH: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he is in "an active conversation" with the city's Law Department about whether he has the authority to order the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York for the U.N. General Assembly.
— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 18, 2026
"I believe that Prime… pic.twitter.com/GZJAfbvWGU
NEW YORK CITY, NY: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his administration is in "active conversation" with legal authorities over whether the city has any power to act if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Manhattan for the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Netanyahu remains the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, allegations Israel rejects, placing renewed focus on how US officials could respond if he travels to New York.
Mayor weighs legal authority
Speaking to The New York Times in an interview published on Saturday, July 18, Mamdani said his administration is reviewing what authority, if any, New York City would have should Netanyahu enter the city.
"Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that's what we will do, but we won't be writing our own laws to that end," the mayor said.
His remarks stop short of committing to any action but confirm that City Hall is examining the legal framework surrounding a potential visit by the Israeli leader.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist who has been an outspoken critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, had previously called for stronger accountability over the conflict, making his latest comments likely to draw renewed political scrutiny.
ICC warrant complicates visit
The discussion stems from the ICC's arrest warrant for Netanyahu, issued in 2024, which accuses him of crimes linked to the war in Gaza.
Israel has rejected the allegations, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction, while the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC and does not recognize the court's authority over its citizens or officials.
That legal backdrop creates uncertainty over what, if any, obligations American authorities would have if Netanyahu attends the annual UN General Assembly in New York.
The mayor's comments come weeks before world leaders are expected to gather in Manhattan for the high-profile diplomatic summit.
While there is no indication that any arrest is imminent or legally required, Mamdani's acknowledgment that discussions are underway has injected a new layer of political and legal tension into Netanyahu's anticipated visit, ensuring the issue will remain closely watched in the lead-up to the UN meeting.
