Trump and New York Mayoral Candidate Face Off Over Netanyahu’s Possible Arrest Ahead of UN General Assembly
Washington/New York: A political controversy has intensified in the United States over the possible arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City, has once again stated that if Netanyahu visits New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly session, legal advice is being sought regarding the possibility of his arrest.
Mamdani said that the international system of justice must be respected and that if international court warrants are applicable, their enforcement should be considered. He had previously also stated publicly that Netanyahu should be arrested if he comes to New York.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump strongly reacted to the issue, saying, “The Prime Minister of Israel will not be arrested anywhere in the United States.” Trump stated that Netanyahu is a leader fighting against Iran-backed threats and terrorism. He alleged that Iran and its allied groups are responsible for the deaths of thousands of people and for attacks on American soldiers and civilians over several decades. Trump also said that previous U.S. presidents should have taken stronger action against Iran much earlier.
It is noteworthy that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several other individuals over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Gaza conflict. The case is linked to the war that began after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
However, the United States is not a member of the ICC, and the enforcement of any ICC arrest warrant on U.S. territory would depend on American law, the federal government, and applicable legal procedures. Therefore, if Netanyahu attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York in the future, the issue could become a major point of contention between international law and U.S. domestic politics.