NYC Mayoral Candidate Vows to Arrest Netanyahu if Elected

NEW YORK – Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, announced that he would direct the New York Police Department to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city. This statement was made during an interview with The New York Times on Thursday, where Mamdani described Netanyahu as a ‘war criminal’ responsible for actions in Gaza.

Mamdani’s pledge is linked to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), claiming that Netanyahu committed war crimes during the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the need for New York to uphold international law, stating, ‘This is a moment when cities and states will have to demonstrate what it actually looks like to stand up for our own values.’

Experts have called Mamdani’s challenge impractical and potentially illegal, as the United States is not a party to the ICC, and local authorities cannot enforce its warrants. For instance, Matthew C. Waxman, a Columbia Law School professor, remarked, ‘This is a political stunt rather than a serious law-enforcement policy.’

In addition to Netanyahu, Mamdani expressed intentions to target Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also faces an ICC warrant for alleged war crimes. ‘It is my desire to ensure that this be a city that stands up for international law,’ he added.

Legal scholars pointed out that pursuing such arrests would likely violate U.S. laws granting immunity to heads of state. Furthermore, Netanyahu has dismissed Mamdani’s threat, labeling it ‘silly’ during a past comment. Former President Donald Trump also warned that Mamdani could face serious complications if he attempted to follow through on this threat.

With an election approaching on November 4, opinions on Mamdani’s controversial stance vary. While he resonates with certain voter groups, particularly those critical of Israel’s handling of the Gaza crisis, his approach could alienate parts of New York’s sizable Jewish community.