According to The Wall Street Journal on July 21, New York Mayor Bloomberg said on Tuesday that New York City has no authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, he urged the U.S. federal government to execute the arrest order issued by the International Criminal Court against this Israeli leader.
The long-time harsh critic of the Israeli government, New York Mayor, previously stated that he was investigating whether New York City had the authority to arrest Netanyahu during his visit. Mamdani accused Netanyahu of carrying out genocide in Gaza, but this accusation was denied by the Israeli government.
"Anyone with eyes, conscience, and empathy should see the destruction he caused and recognize that he should stand in a courtroom to face trial."
He said that the municipal government under his leadership has reviewed all possible legal avenues to determine whether the New York City government has the authority to arrest Netanyahu.
It is clear that we do not have independent legal authority to execute this arrest warrant, " he added. "However, the federal government possesses such power, and I urge them to join the International Criminal Court and enforce this warrant."
The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, Netherlands, issued a arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 on suspicion of committing war crimes in Gaza. The United States does not recognize the International Criminal Court, but the 125 member states of the court are legally obliged to execute the arrest warrants issued by it.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Netanyahu will not be arrested in the United States. Previously, Mamdani had indicated that he was studying whether New York City has the authority to detain the Israeli Prime Minister. Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said on social media on Sunday that the International Criminal Court is a “kangaroo court”, referring to a “court where justice is denied or a fake court”. It also stated that Mamdani tried to divert attention away from his ineffective governance.
Israeli Permanent Representative to the United Nations Danny Danon said that Mamdani's criticism of Israel has gone too far. He wrote on social media on Tuesday: "You were elected to serve the citizens of New York. Do your job!"
Mamdaeni stated in a video that Netanyahu "is not welcome in New York City". He held Netanyahu accountable for the thousands of deaths in Gaza, as well as responsibility for the blockade of food and humanitarian aid.
He said, “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, the mastermind behind the horrible genocide against the Palestinian people.”
