New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that his administration is actively exploring whether the city has the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2026. Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, called Netanyahu a "war criminal" who "belongs in The Hague," referencing the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024. These warrants accuse them of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's military campaign in Gaza, including "starvation as a method of warfare" and other inhumane acts.

Mamdani stated his administration is in "active conversation" with the city's Law Department to determine the legal authority New York City might possess should Netanyahu travel to the city. He emphasized that his position is based on the ICC's charges rather than a personal assessment, and he pledged to follow New York City laws. During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani characterized Israeli military actions in Gaza as genocide and said he would order the NYPD to arrest Netanyahu.

Netanyahu dismissed the threat in a radio interview, accusing Mamdani of supporting Hamas and stating, "He’s with the terror actors. And I think the problem is that he doesn’t recognize and he doesn’t care that those who hate the Jews and Israel ultimately hate America."

Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz criticized Mamdani's remarks as "pure political theater," asserting that the mayor has no legal authority to arrest Netanyahu. Waltz argued that the U.S. is not a party to the ICC's founding treaty, the U.N. Headquarters Agreement protects visiting heads of government, and head-of-state immunity applies.

The situation raises questions about the limits of a mayor's authority over foreign affairs and whether New York City could take legal action against a visiting head of government. Netanyahu has frequently participated in the UN General Assembly in past years, and world leaders from U.N. member states are expected to travel to New York City for the event.

Sources