Netanyahu: Mamdani trying to distract from failed policies by seeking to arrest me

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed claims by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani that he was considering the arrest of the Israeli leader as a distraction from his own policy failures. In a statement released on Sunday, Netanyahu’s team accused Mamdani of attempting to shift public focus away from his governance record by suggesting legal action against the prime minister. The remarks came after Mamdani stated in a recent interview that he was reviewing options to arrest Netanyahu if the Israeli leader visited New York. The statement from Netanyahu’s office criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing an arrest warrant against the prime minister in 2024 related to actions during the war in Gaza. It described the ICC as a “kangaroo court” lacking authority over American citizens or Israelis. The PMO claimed the warrant was issued by Karim Khan, a former ICC prosecutor who was later suspended due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The office alleged that Khan’s actions were an effort to divert public attention and avoid scrutiny. Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Israel had implemented “unprecedented wartime measures” to protect civilians while fighting Hamas, which they characterized as a “genocidal terrorist organization.” They argued that instead of supporting Khan’s conduct, Mamdani should address the consequences of his own policies in New York. The statement further suggested that both Mamdani and Khan shared an interest in drawing attention away from their respective missteps. Since the ICC issued its arrest warrants in November 2024, Karim Khan faced increasing pressure, culminating in his suspension following an investigation into sexual harassment allegations. A vote by ICC member states on his removal is scheduled for this week. Meanwhile, Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania mocked Mamdani’s comments, calling him a “clown” for suggesting he could take legal action against Netanyahu. Fetterman, known for his support of Israel, argued that such an action was impossible given the United States' non-participation in the ICC’s jurisdiction. On social media, Mamdani reiterated his stance, stating that New York City was examining whether it could legally arrest Netanyahu under existing laws. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the city's legal department regarding potential enforcement of ICC-related warrants. Previously, Mamdani had expressed willingness to deploy the NYPD to execute such warrants, though the ICC lacks jurisdiction within U.S. borders. Federal law also bars local governments from cooperating with the ICC, making such efforts legally unfeasible. Despite these legal constraints, Mamdani maintained that he would act within the bounds of New York City law. His comments sparked renewed debate over the ICC’s role and the limits of municipal power in international matters. While some critics dismissed the mayor’s statements as impractical, others saw them as a reflection of growing tensions between political figures and international judicial bodies. As the situation unfolds, the interplay between domestic law, international courts, and personal politics continues to shape the discourse around accountability and governance.