New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday said his administration does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, despite reviewing possible options. He instead called on the US federal government to support the enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu. Mamdani, who had previously pledged during his campaign to explore ways to detain Netanyahu during his annual visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, clarified that city authorities cannot independently execute the ICC warrant.

In a video statement posted on X, he said it was "clear" that his administration lacked the legal power to carry out such an action. The mayor urged the federal government to join the ICC and enforce the court’s warrant if Netanyahu travels to the United States. His remarks have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding international legal obligations, US policy toward the ICC and the limits of municipal authority. Mamdani also referred to Netanyahu as a "war criminal" during his comments, reflecting his criticism of Israel’s conduct during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The ICC has previously issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in connection with alleged war crimes, a decision that Israel has rejected and criticised. The issue has become a point of political debate in the United States, where the country’s relationship with the ICC remains contested. The US is not a member of the court, and successive administrations have had differing positions on its authority and investigations involving American allies. During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani had spoken about the possibility of arresting Netanyahu if the Israeli leader came to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.  However, after reviewing legal considerations, he acknowledged that city officials do not have independent authority to enforce the ICC order.

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The mayor’s comments highlight the complex interaction between international legal decisions and domestic law enforcement powers. While the ICC can issue arrest warrants, their enforcement depends on cooperation from countries and authorities that recognise or engage with the court’s jurisdiction. Netanyahu’s potential travel to New York for the UN General Assembly has been a subject of international attention due to the ICC warrant and diplomatic considerations. Israel has maintained that the charges against its prime minister are politically motivated, while supporters of the ICC argue that the court’s actions are part of efforts to hold leaders accountable under international law.

Mamdani’s remarks are expected to fuel further debate over how US cities and federal authorities respond to international legal proceedings involving foreign leaders. The discussion also comes amid broader disagreements within American politics over the Israel-Gaza conflict and Washington’s role in global institutions. As the United Nations General Assembly approaches, the question of whether Netanyahu could face legal action during international travel remains a matter of diplomatic and legal debate. For now, Mamdani has acknowledged the limits of his office while continuing to call for federal involvement in the matter.

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