Mamdani renews call for Netanyahu’s ICC arrest warrant to be honoured ahead of New York visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has renewed his call for the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be honoured ahead of Netanyahu’s visit to New York for the UN General Assembly.

In an interview with CNN, Mamdani described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and an “architect of a horrific genocide of the Palestinian people.” 

Mamdani’s comments came shortly after a cordial meeting with US President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion in New York. The two discussed city issues despite longstanding political differences.

Mamdani said the issue of Netanyahu was also raised during his meeting with Trump and reiterated his view that international legal accountability should apply regardless of an individual’s position.

“If the International Criminal Court deems someone worthy of an arrest because of a violation of those laws, then who are we to say that anyone should be above that?” Mamdani told CNN.

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the Gaza conflict. 

READ: Netanyahu, wanted by ICC, set to take UN podium while Palestinian leader Abbas unable to attend

Mamdani had previously explored whether New York City authorities could act on the warrant if Netanyahu entered the city. He has since acknowledged that the mayor’s office lacks the legal authority to execute it and has called for action at the federal level instead. The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over US nationals or officials of non-member states in these circumstances.

Netanyahu responded on Tuesday with a video message accusing Mamdani of supporting Hamas and of “inciting riots against New York Jews.” He provided no evidence in the remarks cited to substantiate those accusations.

Netanyahu also said he would address Mamdani during his upcoming appearance at the United Nations, saying he would “tell the truth” about Israeli soldiers and about the New York mayor.

Mamdani has rejected accusations that his criticism of Israel amounts to hostility toward Jewish people and has publicly condemned antisemitism. His criticism has focused on Netanyahu’s government, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the need to enforce international legal mechanisms.

Netanyahu is expected in New York this week to address the UN General Assembly, where the Gaza war and wider conflicts in the Middle East are among the major issues facing world leaders.

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