Khanna backs call for Netanyahu’s arrest

U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna has publicly endorsed New York City Mayor Eric Adams' call for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. Khanna asserted that the United States should cooperate with the international tribunal and take action if Netanyahu enters U.S. jurisdiction.

“

The American president should arrest Netanyahu or [Russian President Vladimir] Putin in accordance with international law.

"The American president should arrest Netanyahu or [Russian President Vladimir] Putin in accordance with international law," Khanna, a Democratic lawmaker from California, told the MeidasTouch news network. "America needs to cooperate with the ICC," he added, framing the issue as "a matter of human rights" and "a matter of a rules-based international order."

Khanna's remarks come weeks after he reported being briefly detained by Israeli settlers and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) personnel while visiting a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank. The congressman suggested this incident could influence his political future, wryly advising Israelis, "It’s not a good idea to detain long-shot presidential candidates."

“

America needs to cooperate with the ICC.

Mayor Adams had previously explored whether New York City authorities could arrest Netanyahu during the Israeli leader's planned visit for the United Nations General Assembly. While Adams later acknowledged the city mayor lacks the legal authority for such an arrest, he argued federal authorities could act. Adams stated, "I agree with the ICC that Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and tried for his crimes, as I do for anyone else charged by the ICC."

“

It’s not a good idea to detain long-shot presidential candidates.

Former President Donald Trump rejected the idea, asserting Netanyahu would not face arrest in the United States. Khanna criticized Trump's stance, accusing him of disregarding international law and calling it "embarrassing to the United States and to the world community." Khanna also argued that enforcing the ICC warrant could provide leverage against Netanyahu, who he accused of defying U.S. pressure by continuing military strikes.

“

I agree with the ICC that Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and tried for his crimes, as I do for anyone else charged by the ICC.