NYC Mayor Considers Arresting Netanyahu Ahead of UN Visit

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly considering an order to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit the city for the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. The mayor expressed his belief that Netanyahu "belongs in the Hague," citing his status as a "war criminal" charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in the Hague.

Adams is reportedly in discussions with New York's law department regarding the potential detention. However, he acknowledged uncertainty about his legal authority to direct the New York Police Department (NYPD) to carry out such an arrest. "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," Adams stated.

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He’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to the threats, dismissing concerns and accusing Adams of supporting Hamas. Netanyahu claimed that Adams champions Hamas, an organization he described as calling for the "massacre every Jew on earth" and responsible for the October 7 massacre. He suggested Adams should examine who he condemns and praises, asserting that Israel is the "one democracy that stands shoulder to shoulder with American values." Netanyahu further implied that hating Israel is akin to hating America.

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

Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, dismissed Adams's proclamation, stating the mayor has "no authority" to call for Netanyahu's arrest. Akunis suggested Adams should focus on governing New York City instead of matters beyond his jurisdiction. Adams had previously voiced support for Netanyahu's arrest during his mayoral campaign in 2025.

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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.