Mamdani backs down, admits he can’t arrest Netanyahu

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that he has no legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reversing course just days after saying his administration was exploring whether it could enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant during Netanyahu’s expected visit to the UN General Assembly.

Despite the legal conclusion, Mamdani repeated his accusations against Netanyahu, calling him a “war criminal” and accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza—claims Israel has repeatedly rejected. He also repeated allegations that Israel has deliberately targeted civilians and blocked humanitarian aid.

Responding to Mamdani, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, wrote on X: “Zohran Mamdani, ENOUGH. Enough with the blood libels. Enough with the attacks on Jewish organizations. Enough with the outreach to the Iranian regime. You were elected to serve New Yorkers, not Hamas’ propaganda. Do your job!”

Benjamin NetanyahuDanny DanonNew YorkUN General AssemblyZohran Mamdani