Mayor Zohran Mamdani today addressed ongoing questions regarding the potential enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he attend upcoming United Nations meetings in New York City.
The Mayor reaffirmed that his administration is carefully reviewing all legal options and remains committed to upholding international law and the values of human rights that define New York City.
“As Mayor of New York, I have a responsibility to ensure our city stands on the right side of history,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We are still evaluating the situation in coordination with relevant authorities. New York is a city that believes in justice, accountability, and the rule of law including international law. We will continue to mull all appropriate steps while operating within the bounds of what is possible.”
Netanyahu faces an ICC arrest warrant related to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict. While the United States does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, the Mayor has previously expressed his intent to direct the NYPD to honor such a warrant if the opportunity arises. Legal experts note significant federal constraints on local enforcement against foreign heads of state.
The Mayor’s comments come ahead of the UN General Assembly session, where world leaders traditionally gather in New York. The City continues to coordinate with federal, state, and UN partners on security and diplomatic protocols for all visiting dignitaries.
Mayor Mamdani emphasized that public safety remains the top priority and that any decisions will prioritize the rule of law, protection of all New Yorkers, and the City’s role as a global hub for dialogue and diplomacy.