Mamdani Says NYC Reviewing Legal Options to Arrest Netanyahu if He Visits for UN General Assembly

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said his administration is engaged in an active legal review to determine whether the city has the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he travel to New York for this month’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

According to The New York Times, Mamdani described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and said he “belongs in The Hague,” referring to the city that hosts major international courts, including the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The mayor said New York City’s Law Department is examining what legal powers, if any, the city could exercise if Netanyahu visits.

The remarks have sparked debate over the limits of a mayor’s authority in matters involving foreign leaders and international diplomacy. Legal experts note that issues involving foreign heads of government and diplomatic relations generally fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal government rather than municipal authorities.

There has been no immediate official response from the Israeli government regarding Mamdani’s remarks.