New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on Wednesday that the city does not have the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite previously campaigning on a promise to do so. During a press conference, Mamdani explained that his administration reviewed the applicable laws and concluded that only the federal government could execute the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Netanyahu. He urged the federal government to act on the warrant, even though the U.S. is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction over Israel.
Mamdani called for New Yorkers to protest if they feel frustration or opposition regarding Netanyahu's potential visit during the United Nations General Assembly in September. He acknowledged the disappointment of Palestinian New Yorkers who expected him to fulfill his arrest promise and stated that Netanyahu would no longer be welcomed by City Hall.
When asked about his previous commitment, Mamdani did not provide a specific date for when he learned about the city's limitations. He emphasized that he would not welcome Netanyahu or any other leaders accused of war crimes. Mamdani also faced questions regarding his focus on Netanyahu amid criticism that it presented a one-sided view of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He condemned the October 7 Hamas attack as a horrific war crime but refrained from labeling it as genocide. Mamdani reiterated his commitment to supporting ICC warrants against both Hamas leaders and Netanyahu, asserting that his stance is not limited to any specific individual but applies to all who are charged with war crimes.