New York City mayor explores possibility of arresting Netanyahu at UN headquarters

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly examining the legal feasibility of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visits the city for the UN General Assembly in September. Adams has publicly stated his belief that Netanyahu is a "war criminal" and should be in The Hague due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu's place is in The Hague. He is a war criminal being prosecuted with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.

In an interview with The New York Times, Adams acknowledged that he is unsure if he possesses the authority to arrest a foreign leader. However, he indicated that the matter is being discussed with relevant city officials, stating, "We will do what the law allows me to do in New York." The UN General Assembly convenes annually in September at the UN headquarters in New York.

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We will do what the law allows me to do in New York.

Adams's comments have drawn sharp criticism. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, accused Adams of fueling hostility and seeking headlines by attacking Israel. Danon asserted that Netanyahu would proceed with his visit, address the General Assembly, and present Israel's truth and its right to self-defense. Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking to a New York radio station, accused Adams of supporting Hamas and suggested the mayor "hates the United States deep down."

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I believe that deep down he hates the United States.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, stemming from the military operation following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Adams, who aligns with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, has previously labeled Israel an "apartheid regime" and described the Gaza offensive as "genocide," while also condemning antisemitism.

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This will not change anything. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will go to New York, speak proudly before the United Nations General Assembly, and proclaim Israel's truth and its inalienable right to defend its citizens to the whole world.