In a strong video titled 'Netanyahu is a war criminal', Mamdani urged the US federal government to execute the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Israeli leader.
The 34-year-old mayor based his request on the ICC's November 2024 warrant, accusing Netanyahu of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza offensive. However, Mamdani acknowledged that, after a thorough legal review by his administration, New York City "lacks the authority to enforce on its own" such warrant, as it does not have the necessary independent legal power to detain a foreign leader. Therefore, he has focused his pressure on Washington, requesting the federal government to "join the ICC" and act when Netanyahu visits the city in September for the UN General Assembly.
The White House's reaction was immediate and firm. Donald Trump, through his Truth Social platform, stated that Netanyahu "will not be arrested, under any circumstances" while on US soil. The president defended the strategic alliance with Israel and emphasized that the United States, like Israel itself, does not recognize the authority or measures of the ICC.
This confrontation underscores the deep political division over the conflict in the Middle East. While Mamdani advocates for international justice, Trump diplomatically shields his ally. Previously, it had been leaked that the legal team of the New York City mayor's office was working on ways to carry out the arrest, an effort that has ultimately run into the barrier of federal jurisdiction and the outright rejection of the nation's government.