Mamdani Calls Netanyahu a War Criminal and Urges U.S. to Enforce ICC Arrest Warrant
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” and urged the U.S. federal government to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court if the Israeli leader enters the United States. Mamdani’s comments represent a significant escalation in his public criticism of Netanyahu and come amid a growing political debate over how the United States should respond to the ICC’s warrant.
In a video message posted on social media, Mamdani said Netanyahu was not welcome in New York City and argued that the federal government should take responsibility for enforcing the ICC warrant. The mayor’s remarks followed earlier discussions about whether New York City authorities could take action if Netanyahu visits the city for the United Nations General Assembly.
Mamdani had previously said that his administration was examining whether the city had any legal authority to act on the warrant if Netanyahu traveled to New York. However, after reviewing the legal question, he acknowledged that New York City does not have independent authority to enforce the ICC warrant. He subsequently called on the federal government to join the ICC and execute the warrant. (WTOP News)
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The court has accused Netanyahu and Israel’s former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, of offenses including alleged starvation of civilians and other acts. Israeli officials have rejected the allegations and strongly criticized the ICC’s jurisdiction and decision. (AP News)
In his latest remarks, Mamdani accused Netanyahu’s government of causing extensive suffering among Palestinians and criticized the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He also questioned the role of the United States, arguing that American support for Israel means the country has a responsibility to confront the consequences of the conflict.
The mayor’s comments have placed him at odds with President Donald Trump, who has publicly said that Netanyahu would not be arrested while in the United States. Trump has strongly opposed the ICC’s actions against Netanyahu and has maintained close political ties with the Israeli prime minister. (The Wall Street Journal)
The dispute highlights a complicated legal situation. The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over American citizens or certain foreign leaders. As a result, the legal ability of U.S. authorities to enforce an ICC warrant against Netanyahu is contested, while Mamdani’s own authority as New York City’s mayor is considerably more limited.
Mamdani’s comments have nevertheless intensified discussions about the ICC warrant and the responsibilities of countries that are parties to the court’s founding treaty. Supporters of the mayor’s position argue that international arrest warrants should be respected and that governments should cooperate with international efforts to investigate alleged war crimes.
Critics, however, have condemned Mamdani’s statements and accused him of overstepping his authority. Israeli officials have rejected the ICC’s allegations and have criticized the mayor’s comments, while some U.S. political figures and Jewish community leaders have expressed concern over his approach to Israel and the conflict in Gaza.
The controversy is also politically significant for New York City. The city has one of the largest and most diverse Jewish and Muslim populations in the United States, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become an increasingly prominent issue in local politics. Mamdani’s position has attracted support from some progressive activists while drawing criticism from others who believe the mayor should focus primarily on municipal issues.
Netanyahu is expected to face renewed attention if he travels to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani has now made clear that he believes the federal government, rather than city authorities, should be responsible for enforcing the ICC warrant. His remarks also indicate that he intends to continue publicly criticizing Netanyahu’s policies and Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The situation could create a political confrontation between city and federal officials if Netanyahu visits New York. However, Mamdani’s acknowledgment that the city lacks independent legal authority to enforce the warrant means that any potential arrest would ultimately depend on federal action and the broader U.S. government’s position toward the ICC.
For now, the mayor’s comments have added another layer to an already contentious debate over international law, U.S. foreign policy and the war in Gaza. Mamdani’s call for the United States to enforce the ICC warrant is unlikely to be embraced by the Trump administration, which has rejected the possibility of Netanyahu being arrested on American soil. (The Wall Street Journal)
As Netanyahu’s potential future visits to the United States continue to draw attention, the disagreement between Mamdani and the federal government is likely to remain a prominent political issue. The mayor’s declaration that Netanyahu is a “war criminal” and his call for federal authorities to act have placed New York City at the center of a wider international debate over accountability, the authority of the ICC and the limits of American cooperation with international courts.
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