Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly responded for the first time after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he would consider enforcing the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant if Netanyahu were to visit the city.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu criticized Mamdani’s remarks, accusing the mayor of fostering division and saying Jewish Americans feel increasingly concerned about rising antisemitism. Netanyahu also reiterated that he plans to travel to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), despite the controversy surrounding the ICC warrant.
The exchange comes amid continuing international debate over the ICC’s arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
What Did Netanyahu Say?
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu criticised Mamdani’s comments, accusing him of encouraging division rather than representing all New Yorkers.
Netanyahu said:
“He’s fomenting hate. He’s supposed to be the mayor of all New Yorkers, Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone.”
He also said he intends to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York to present Israel’s position before the international community.
In addition, Netanyahu described the ICC proceedings as a “perversion of justice” and argued that the court lacks jurisdiction over Israel.
These remarks reflect Netanyahu’s position. The ICC disputes Israel’s jurisdictional objections.
What Did Zohran Mamdani Say?
Earlier, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that the ICC arrest warrant should be treated seriously and that international legal standards should be applied consistently.
Referring to Netanyahu, Mamdani noted that the Israeli prime minister is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The ICC’s allegations remain before the court and have not been adjudicated at trial. Netanyahu denies all wrongdoing.
Mamdani’s comments prompted criticism from Israeli officials and supporters of Netanyahu, while others argued they reflected support for international legal institutions.
What Did Donald Trump Say?
President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy by saying that Netanyahu would not be arrested if he travelled to the United States.
Trump did not indicate that any U.S. authority intended to enforce the ICC warrant.
The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court, and does not generally recognise the ICC’s jurisdiction over U.S. nationals or officials of non-member states.
Why Did the ICC Issue an Arrest Warrant?
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant.
The warrants allege war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
It is important to note the following:
- An arrest warrant is not a conviction.
- The allegations have not been proven in court.
- The ICC process would require judicial proceedings before any determination of guilt.
Israel has rejected the allegations and maintains that the court has no jurisdiction over the matter.
Is the United States Required to Enforce the ICC Warrant?
The legal situation is complex.
The United States is not a member of the ICC and is therefore not generally obligated under the Rome Statute to execute ICC arrest warrants.
Whether any foreign official could be arrested while visiting the United States would depend on a range of legal, diplomatic, and constitutional considerations.
No U.S. authority has announced plans to arrest Netanyahu in connection with the ICC warrant.
Why This Matters
The dispute highlights broader tensions surrounding the following:
- The authority of the International Criminal Court.
- The legal obligations of countries that are not ICC members.
- International accountability for alleged war crimes.
- The intersection of international law and domestic politics.
The issue has also become part of political debate in the United States, particularly as leaders discuss the role of international institutions in addressing global conflicts.
The Bottom Line
Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls to recognise the ICC arrest warrant against him and criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the mayor said the warrant should be taken seriously. Netanyahu maintains that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Israel and says he still intends to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The allegations underlying the ICC warrant remain before the court, and no findings of criminal guilt have been made.
TL;DR
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over comments regarding the ICC arrest warrant.
- Mamdani previously said the warrant should be taken seriously and suggested he would consider enforcing it if Netanyahu visited New York.
- Netanyahu called the ICC case illegitimate and accused Mamdani of promoting division.
- U.S. President Donald Trump has said Netanyahu would not be arrested during a visit to the United States.
- Israel rejects both the ICC’s jurisdiction and the allegations against its leaders.
