NEW YORK – New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged the US federal government to enforce the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Washington has the legal authority to act even though New York City does not.
In a video statement posted on social media, Zohran Mamdani said the city administration had reviewed the legal framework regarding the ICC warrant and concluded that New York City lacks the jurisdiction to arrest a foreign head of government under existing laws.
Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. pic.twitter.com/YRezmW6YVx
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 22, 2026
However, he stressed that the federal government has the authority to cooperate with the ICC and execute the warrant, calling on US officials to take appropriate action.
Mamdani said he supported the ICC’s decision to issue the arrest warrant against Netanyahu and urged the United States to uphold international legal obligations.
The mayor also accused the Israeli prime minister of committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinians, alleging that more than 73,000 people had been killed during the conflict. He further stated that Netanyahu would not be welcomed in New York City.
The ICC’s arrest warrant against Netanyahu has sparked international debate, with countries differing over whether they are legally obligated to enforce the court’s decisions depending on their recognition of the ICC’s jurisdiction.
