NYC Mayor Mamdani Calls ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu ‘Serious,’ Rebuking Trump’s Stance

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be taken seriously. The remarks came shortly after President Donald Trump asserted that Netanyahu would not be arrested on U.S. soil, according to Anadolu.

Speaking at a press conference, Mamdani emphasized that Netanyahu “is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant” over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.

“We’re speaking about someone who’s the subject of an ICC arrest warrant,” he said. “He is accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and is the architect of the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza as Israel’s prime minister.”

He noted that his statements were based on “facts of public record,” not personal opinion.

“When someone is charged with an ICC warrant, it’s something that should be taken seriously—whether it’s Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, or anyone else,” Mamdani added. “My administration will follow all applicable local laws.”

Mamdani reiterated his position, stating, “If someone is charged with a warrant by the ICC for these kinds of crimes, that warrant should be honored. We will continue to follow our local laws.”

His comments followed President Trump’s declaration that Netanyahu would not face arrest in the United States. In a Truth Social post earlier Monday, Trump said the Israeli leader “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.”

Earlier, Mamdani told The New York Times that his administration’s legal department was discussing the possibility of arresting Netanyahu should he visit New York, saying he believes the prime minister “belongs in The Hague.”

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

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