Mamdani says New York cannot arrest Netanyahu
The New York mayor called for Netanyahu to face a war crimes trial but said the city has no power to arrest him.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
1 min read
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city does not have the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al Jazeera reported. The statement addressed days of speculation over whether New York could act against Netanyahu based on an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
In a video statement, Mamdani called for Netanyahu to face trial for war crimes, according to Al Jazeera. He cited the ICC warrant while making the case that Netanyahu should be brought before a court.
Mamdani also drew a legal boundary around what New York officials can do, saying the city lacks the power to arrest the Israeli leader, Al Jazeera reported. The clarification came after public discussion about whether a mayor or city government could enforce the international warrant.
Al Jazeera reported the statement on July 22, 2026. The report did not provide further details about any planned visit by Netanyahu to New York or any additional action by city officials.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.