New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn sharp criticism from both Democrats and Republicans after stating he is exploring the possibility of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit the city for the United Nations General Assembly in September. Mamdani referred to Netanyahu as 'a war criminal' and said the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against him should be 'taken seriously.'
Sit down.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) told Mamdani to 'sit down' and labeled him a 'clown.' Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) went further, saying Mamdani 'will do something stupid enough to send him to Gitmo.' Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, also called Mamdani a 'clown' and asserted the mayor has 'no jurisdiction' to arrest Netanyahu, calling the threat 'a stunt.'
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Netanyahu 'will not be arrested' in the United States 'in any way, shape, or form.' Mamdani acknowledged that New York City does not have the independent legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant, but urged the federal government to join the ICC and execute the warrant. He told the New York Times he is having 'an active conversation' about whether the arrest can be carried out.
Representative Gregory Meeks said he hopes Mamdani will not attempt the arrest, while Jerry Nadler argued that doing so would violate a United Nations treaty. Rashida Tlaib offered to help Mamdani. CNN legal analyst Elie Honig called the suggestion 'utterly ridiculous' and lacking any legal basis. Critics described the threat as 'delusional' and 'reckless,' with some noting Mamdani made similar promises during his 2025 campaign.
Netanyahu's office has dismissed the ICC warrant as 'bogus' and the court itself as a 'kangaroo court.' Mamdani posted a video on July 21 calling on the federal government to arrest Netanyahu. The Israeli UN envoy also condemned the mayor, stating that Mamdani has no authority to act on the warrant.
The ICC warrant, issued in 2024, relates to the war in Gaza. Netanyahu is expected to attend the UN General Assembly in September, and Mamdani has indicated he will continue to explore legal avenues despite widespread opposition.