**Title: Legal Discussions Surround Potential Arrest of Netanyahu During UN Visit**
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced that he is exploring the legal avenues for potentially arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to the city for the United Nations General Assembly in September. This announcement follows an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2024, which accuses Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Mamdani, who has previously characterized Israel's military actions in Gaza as genocide, reiterated his commitment to this cause during an interview on The New York Times’ podcast, "The Interview." When asked about his intentions regarding Netanyahu's visit, he stated, “I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague,” referring to the ICC's location in The Hague, Netherlands. He added, “He’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court, and what you will find is that is an opinion that is held by many, purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years.”
While accredited representatives of member states typically enjoy diplomatic immunity during official UN visits, Mamdani indicated that he is in discussions with the city’s Law Department to determine what legal options might be available. “Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do,” he said, emphasizing that he would not seek to create new laws for this purpose.
In response to Mamdani's statements, Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, criticized the mayor for allegedly failing to address rising antisemitism and instead inciting animosity towards Israel. Danon confirmed that Netanyahu is scheduled to address the General Assembly during its High-Level Week from September 22 to 28, asserting that Mamdani's stance would not affect Netanyahu's plans. He further stated, “And if anyone should be arrested, it is NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani,” in a post on social media platform X.
Netanyahu himself responded to the mayor's comments in a recent radio interview, downplaying the threat of arrest. He accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas and harboring anti-American sentiments.
It is important to note that neither the United States nor Israel is a signatory to the ICC, and U.S. federal law prohibits state and local authorities from cooperating with the court’s requests. New York Governor Kathy Hochul previously stated that the mayor does not have the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu.
As the date of the UN General Assembly approaches, the situation continues to evolve, with legal experts and political analysts closely monitoring the implications of Mamdani's statements and the potential impact on international relations.