Gaza War: New York City Mayor Explores Legal Options to Arrest Netanyahu During His Visit to Attend UN General Assembly

New York: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said his administration is examining whether it has any legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city for the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Speaking to The New York Times, Mamdani confirmed that he is consulting the New York City Law Department to determine the extent of the mayor's legal powers. He stressed that any action would be guided strictly by existing law.

"Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that's what we will do, but we won't be writing our own laws to that end," Mamdani said, adding that discussions with city legal advisers are ongoing.

The mayor reiterated his view that Netanyahu "belongs in The Hague," citing the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He described the Israeli prime minister as "a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court."

Mamdani said his position reflects the views of many around the world, arguing that Netanyahu should be held accountable for the consequences of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. According to the court, there are reasonable grounds to believe the two leaders bear criminal responsibility for using starvation as a method of warfare by restricting humanitarian supplies, including food, water, fuel, medicine and electricity, to Gaza.

The warrants also accuse them of intentionally directing attacks against civilians and committing crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. The ICC said its findings are based on evidence gathered through May 2024.

Netanyahu is expected to visit New York in September to attend the annual United Nations General Assembly, though it remains unclear whether any legal action could be pursued by city authorities during his visit.