Mamdani says still mulling Netanyahu arrest during UN meet

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has indicated he is still considering whether to attempt the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. Mamdani made the remarks in an interview with The New York Times published on July 18, which sparked immediate criticism from Netanyahu’s supporters and officials in Israel. In the interview, Mamdani stated that he believes Netanyahu “belongs in The Hague,” referencing the International Criminal Court (ICC). He cited the court’s 2024 decision that there were “reasonable grounds to believe” Netanyahu committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Israel’s military operations in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Mamdani described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and reiterated his long-held view that Israel functions as an “apartheid regime.” Despite expressing this stance, Mamdani acknowledged uncertainty regarding his authority to direct the New York Police Department to arrest a sitting head of state. He said he is consulting with the city’s legal team to determine what actions might be permissible under New York law. “Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do,” he said. Mamdani has previously expressed support for enforcing international arrest warrants against leaders wanted by the ICC, including Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His comments align with broader criticisms of Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, particularly concerning allegations of war crimes in Gaza. These views have often placed him at odds with Jewish community leaders and pro-Israel advocates in New York. The UN General Assembly, scheduled for September, will bring together global leaders at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Netanyahu is expected to attend and deliver a speech defending Israel’s position in the conflict. The timing of Mamdani’s potential move raises questions about how the U.S. government, which hosts the UN meetings, would respond to such an action involving a foreign head of state. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, responded swiftly to Mamdani’s statements. In a post on X, Danon criticized the mayor for shifting focus away from addressing antisemitism in New York and instead generating controversy through attacks on Israel. He asserted that Netanyahu would attend the assembly “with pride” and present Israel’s case to the world. Danon further suggested that Mamdani himself could face consequences for his rhetoric, stating, “If anyone should be arrested, it is @NYCMayor Zohran Mamdani.” Netanyahu has previously accused Mamdani of sympathizing with Hamas. During a recent appearance on a New York radio station, Netanyahu claimed that Mamdani “secretly hates America.” This accusation comes amid heightened tensions between some U.S. politicians and Israeli leadership over the handling of the Gaza war. The situation reflects growing divisions within the U.S. over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with figures like Mamdani representing a more critical stance toward Israel’s policies. Meanwhile, the ICC’s charges against Netanyahu remain under review, though the court has not issued formal arrest warrants. Legal experts suggest that even if such warrants existed, the practicality of arresting a sitting prime minister in a host country would depend heavily on diplomatic considerations and international law. As the September UN session approaches, the potential for a confrontation between Mamdani and Netanyahu remains uncertain. While Mamdani continues to explore legal avenues, the response from both the U.S. government and Israel will likely shape the outcome of any planned actions. The mayor’s office has not yet confirmed specific plans, leaving room for further developments as the date nears.