Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) called for President Donald Trump to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Khanna also mentioned the need for Trump to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin. Netanyahu is expected to attend the United Nations’ annual meeting in New York City in September.
Khanna stated, "The American president should arrest Netanyahu or Putin in accordance with international law," during an interview with MeidasTouch reporter Pablo Manriquez. He emphasized the importance of human rights and a rules-based international order, suggesting that the president should take action if these leaders enter U.S. jurisdiction.
It is important to note that neither the U.S. nor Israel are members of the ICC, which limits the court's jurisdiction over them. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani had previously expressed a desire to arrest Netanyahu but acknowledged that he lacks the authority to do so due to diplomatic immunity protections for heads of state.
Trump has criticized calls to arrest Netanyahu, reflecting his administration's opposition to the ICC. The former president's administration has also raised concerns about accusations of antisemitism against critics of Netanyahu, including Mamdani, who has been associated with the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement. Eric Goldstein, chief executive of UJA-Federation of New York, condemned Mamdani's rhetoric as harmful and inflammatory.
Mamdani defended his comments, stating that they are critiques of Netanyahu as a political leader and not directed at any specific faith or community. He emphasized his responsibility to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.