The Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, is determined to get Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he sets foot in the city. Mamdani reiterated his vow to have Netanyahu arrested by the New York Police Department, if he is elected Mayor.
In an interview with The New York Times, Mamdani stated that he would instruct the police to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant and apprehend Netanyahu upon his arrival. “This is something that I intend to fulfill,” he added. Mamdani labelled Netanyahu as a war criminal responsible for genocide in Gaza.
Although the United States does not recognise the authority of the ICC, Mamdani explained that he would honour the warrant issued by the court and have Netanyahu arrested upon his arrival at the airport. Notably, the arrest warrant issued in July, accuses Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. “It is my desire to ensure that this be a city that stands up for international law,” Mamdani emphasised.
Moreover, Mamdani intends to take same course of action against Russian President Vladimir Putin as well. Putin was indicted by the ICC in 2023 over the deportation of Ukrainian children during the war.
Is it legally possible?
While Mamdani may intend to get Netanyahu arrested, whether that can actually happen is the question. Notably, the US does not recognise the ICC’s authority and is also not a member of it. Therefore, Netanyahu’s arrest upon his arrival in NYC seems legally impossible. Moreover, Netanyahu, as a sitting head of government would enjoy immunity from prosecution under federal law.
Commenting on the matter, a professor at Columbia Law School, Matthew C. Waxman told the NYT that Mamdani’s vow is “more a political stunt than a serious law enforcement policy.” He added that such arrest has never occurred in America.
