Trump: Netanyahu won't be arrested in the U.S.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would face no arrest if he were to visit the United States. Trump's declaration on social media preempted any potential legal moves, including those being considered by New York City officials.

The context for this situation involves an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2024. The ICC accused Netanyahu of war crimes during the conflict in Gaza. Israel, however, has rejected the ICC's jurisdiction and denied any wrongdoing.

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Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested under any circumstances, form, or manner while in the U.S.

While Trump did not specifically name New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration, his statement was seen as a direct response to reports that the city was exploring legal avenues. Adams' administration had indicated that the city's law department was actively examining legal powers that could be enforced. A city official, Zohran Mamdani, had previously stated in a podcast that Netanyahu should face trial at The Hague and called him a "war criminal."

Netanyahu typically travels to New York in September for the annual United Nations General Assembly. Israel responded to the statements by condemning the ICC as a "jungle court" and deeming the arrest warrant invalid. The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, though neither the U.S. nor Israel are member states.

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I believe Netanyahu should be brought to The Hague. He is a war criminal accused by the International Criminal Court.