New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on July 22, 2026, that his office does not have the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to New York City for the U.N. meeting. In a video posted on social media, Mamdani urged President Donald Trump to execute the International Criminal Court's (ICC) warrant against Netanyahu.
Mamdani explained that his administration reviewed legal avenues but concluded that only the federal government has the authority to enforce the warrant. He expressed that Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, labeling him as a war criminal. Mamdani referred to allegations against Netanyahu, including actions in Gaza that he claims resulted in significant civilian casualties and humanitarian issues.
The ICC's warrant charges Netanyahu with war crimes and crimes against humanity, which he denies. While Mamdani's request for federal action is unlikely to be fulfilled, it reflects a growing sentiment among some lawmakers. Recently, a majority of House Democrats voted to block U.S. aid to Israel, indicating a shift in congressional attitudes toward Israel. Additionally, candidates with similar views to Mamdani's have gained traction in Democratic primaries ahead of the 2026 elections.