"The New York City administration lacks the independent legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York to attend the UN General Assembly in September," stated New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the mayor addressed the issue in a video message posted on social media, clarifying his previous remarks regarding the potential execution of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Netanyahu.
Mamdani reiterated allegations regarding war crimes, citing the targeting of civilians, children, and hospitals in Gaza, as well as restrictions on humanitarian aid and the deaths of aid workers and journalists. He noted that his administration had thoroughly examined all legal avenues regarding the enforcement of the ICC warrant should Netanyahu visit the city. However, he emphasized that the municipal government does not possess the jurisdiction to independently execute such an order.
"This authority rests solely with the federal government. I call on the US government to cooperate with the International Criminal Court and enforce this warrant," Mamdani stated, adding that he believes individuals accused of war crimes should not be welcomed in the city.
The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, issues arrest warrants for individuals accused of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. While the ICC relies on member states to execute its warrants, the United States is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the court, creating a complex legal landscape for the enforcement of such warrants on American soil.
