NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed criticism after declaring that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “not welcome in New York City,” saying the Israeli leader should face trial at The Hague under an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
Mamdani made the remarks in a recently released video statement and podcast interview, where he described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and argued that he belongs before the ICC over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The comments come ahead of Netanyahu’s expected visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly this September.
City Has No Authority to Make an Arrest
After consulting with New York City’s Law Department, Mamdani acknowledged that the city has no legal authority to arrest a foreign head of state on behalf of the International Criminal Court.
Instead, he called on the federal government to join the ICC and enforce its warrant should Netanyahu enter the United States.
The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court and does not recognize its jurisdiction over the United States or many allied nations, including Israel.
Israel and Federal Officials Push Back
Israeli officials quickly rejected the mayor’s comments.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, dismissed Mamdani’s remarks as a political stunt and said Netanyahu intends to attend the U.N. General Assembly as scheduled.
The Trump administration has also rejected the ICC’s authority over Israel and has stated that Netanyahu will not be arrested while visiting the United States.
The mayor’s comments have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, including former New York City Mayor Eric Adams and members of Congress, who argue the proposal has no legal basis under U.S. law.
A Divisive National Figure
Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has emerged as one of the country’s most controversial progressive elected officials.
He has championed policies including government-run grocery stores, fare-free public transit, higher taxes on wealthy residents, expanded tenant protections, and has been a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel.
His latest comments come as New York City prepares for one of the most significant anniversaries in its history.
This September marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, when Islamist terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, killing nearly 3,000 people in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.
As mayor, Mamdani will preside over the annual remembrance ceremonies at the National September 11 Memorial, where families of the victims, first responders, survivors, elected officials, and dignitaries from around the world will gather to honor those who were lost.
For many Americans, the anniversary has long been associated with the pledge to “Never Forget.” As the nation reflects on the attacks a quarter-century later, Mamdani’s latest remarks are certain to fuel a broader debate over America’s relationship with Israel, the role of international institutions, and a question many will be asking on the 25th anniversary of 9/11: Have we remained true to the promise to never forget, or have the lessons of September 11 faded with time?
