New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on the United States federal government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city in September. In a video statement, Mamdani clarified that he does not have the authority to order an arrest himself but urged federal authorities to take action.
Mayor's statement on Netanyahu's potential visit
Mamdani's remarks come amid reports that Netanyahu may travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September. The mayor stated that Netanyahu's alleged actions warrant legal consequences. "I don't have the power to arrest a foreign leader, but the federal government does," Mamdani said in the video. "They should exercise that power."
Legal and political implications
The call for arrest is based on ongoing international legal actions against Netanyahu, including a warrant request by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor for alleged war crimes. The US is not a member of the ICC, but Mamdani's statement reflects growing pressure from some US officials to hold Netanyahu accountable. According to a recent poll, 45% of New Yorkers support legal action against Netanyahu over his conduct in Gaza.
Mamdani's stance has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praise his boldness, while critics argue it could strain US-Israel relations. A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment on the mayor's remarks.
