'Netanyahu belongs in The Hague': NYC mayor Mamdani mulls whether he can order Israeli PM's arrest

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is actively exploring the legal avenues available to him to potentially arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit the city. Mamdani has publicly stated his belief that Netanyahu belongs in The Hague, referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants for the Israeli leader over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including starvation as a method of warfare, in the Gaza conflict.

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I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in the Hague.

In an interview with The New York Times, Mamdani described Netanyahu as a "war criminal" whose actions have caused immense suffering. He emphasized that his administration is consulting with the city's Law Department to determine if he possesses the legal authority to direct the New York Police Department to detain a foreign leader. The mayor indicated that any action taken would be within the bounds of existing New York law, without creating new legislation.

Mamdani's stance aligns with a pledge he made during his mayoral campaign, where he vowed to order Netanyahu's arrest if he entered the city. This commitment stems from his view of Netanyahu as a "war criminal who was committing genocide in Gaza." The potential visit is anticipated in September for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

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And what you will find is that is an opinion that is held by many, purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years.

Netanyahu, however, has dismissed Mamdani's threat, accusing the mayor of supporting Hamas. He questioned Mamdani's condemnations and praised his own actions. Mamdani has previously condemned pro-Hamas chants, labeling the group a "terrorist organization."

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Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do, but we won’t be writing our own laws to that end.

Netanyahu faces significant political challenges, including an upcoming election and an ongoing corruption trial. His leadership has been marked by multi-front offensives that have drawn international criticism. Notably, Hungary's then-incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, had previously stated the country would execute ICC warrants against anyone, after inviting Netanyahu to Budapest.

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This is something that I intend to fulfil.