New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has ignited a firestorm of controversy by declaring that while the city cannot legally execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the federal government should do so. In a video statement, Mamdani called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and urged the United States to arrest him if he visits the country for the upcoming UN General Assembly. The remarks have drawn sharp reactions from critics, including former President Donald Trump, who vowed Netanyahu would not be arrested in the US, and from Netanyahu himself, who insisted he is not afraid and will visit New York as planned.

Mamdani’s Position: Acknowledging Limits, Pushing Federal Action

In his video, Mamdani acknowledged that New York City lacks the legal authority to enforce an ICC arrest warrant. “The city does not have the jurisdiction to arrest a foreign leader under an ICC warrant,” he said, according to multiple reports. However, he argued that the federal government does have such authority under international law and should act. Mamdani’s statement represented a shift from earlier campaign pledges, where he vowed to order the NYPD to arrest Netanyahu. Now, he is exploring legal options but concedes the city’s hands are tied. “He’s a war criminal, and the US should arrest him,” Mamdani said, as reported by The New York Times and The Guardian.

Netanyahu’s Defiance: ‘I’m Not Scared’

Netanyahu responded defiantly, vowing to attend the UN General Assembly in New York despite the threats. “I’m not scared of Mamdani — I’ll go to New York,” he told the Telegraph. The Israeli leader dismissed the arrest pledge as a political stunt, and his office confirmed that the visit would proceed as scheduled. Netanyahu’s stance was echoed by the US ambassador to the UN, who slapped down Mamdani’s threat, calling it “delusional” and “reckless.”

Trump’s Intervention: ‘Netanyahu Will Not Be Arrested’

Former President Donald Trump waded into the controversy, stating unequivocally that Netanyahu would not be arrested in the United States. “He will not be arrested in the US,” Trump told Reuters, adding that the ICC warrant has no standing in America. Trump’s comments were seen as a rebuke to Mamdani and a signal of continued Republican support for Israel. The New York Times reported that Trump’s statement effectively shut down any possibility of federal action, as the US is not a party to the ICC and has previously rejected its jurisdiction over Israeli officials.

Legal Experts Weigh In: A ‘Political Stunt’ or a Valid Question?

Legal analysts have largely characterized Mamdani’s pledge as unenforceable. “This is a campaign promise that cannot be executed,” said a legal expert quoted by ABC News. Under US law, local law enforcement cannot arrest foreign leaders based on an ICC warrant. The ICC relies on member states to enforce its warrants, and the US is not a member. However, some international law scholars note that the US could theoretically act under universal jurisdiction principles, though such action would require federal authorization. “Mamdani is raising a legitimate question about accountability, but the mechanism doesn’t exist at the city level,” said a professor interviewed by Middle East Monitor.

Critics and Supporters React

The controversy has drawn fierce reactions. Critics, including New York Post columnists and political opponents, have slammed Mamdani as “delusional” and “reckless,” accusing him of grandstanding and damaging US-Israel relations. One city council member even trolled Mamdani by inviting Netanyahu to visit on inauguration day. On the other hand, progressive activists and human rights groups have praised Mamdani for taking a stand against alleged war crimes. On the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Mamdani accused Netanyahu and his government of launching a “genocidal war” in Gaza, further inflaming tensions.

What Happens Next?

As the UN General Assembly approaches, all eyes will be on whether Netanyahu follows through on his visit. Mamdani has not ruled out further action, telling CNN that he is “still looking into” legal avenues. However, with Trump’s declaration and the lack of federal support, any arrest attempt appears highly unlikely. The episode underscores the growing divide in US politics over Israel and the ICC, and highlights the limits of local officials in enforcing international law. For now, Mamdani’s promise remains a symbolic gesture — one that has energized his base but drawn sharp rebuke from the establishment.