NY governor Hochul says Mamdani can’t arrest Netanyahu, supports anti-BDS order

Hochul responded to NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s pledge to arrest Netanyahu.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

New York Governor Kathy Hochul publicly distanced herself on Thursday from New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s vow to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the city has no authority to carry out such a move.

Hochul, speaking at her Manhattan office, responded directly to questions about Mamdani’s pledge after the mayor-elect repeated his accusation that Israel committed war crimes during the fighting in Gaza.

“No, I do not, and the New York City mayor does not have the power to do that,” Politicoquoted her as saying.

Mamdani has tied his remarks to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu and told supporters he would enforce it if the Israeli leader entered the city.

Hochul also praised outgoing Mayor Eric Adams’ executive order blocking city investments or pension funds from boycotting Israel.

“I’ve taken action to protect investments in Israel in the past and will continue to do so,” Hochul affirmed.

Last month, demonstrators gathered outside a Manhattan synagogue where Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organization facilitating immigration to Israel, was holding an event, and chanted “death to the IDF” and “globalize the intifada.”

Attention later shifted to comments from Mamdani’s spokesperson Dora Pekec, who said the mayor-elect “discouraged the language” used at the protest but also faulted the synagogue, arguing that “these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law.”

Pekec did not explain how the organization’s programming could be interpreted as violating international law.

After the backlash, Mamdani issued a revised statement to the New York Times emphasizing the need to protect Jewish institutions amid rising antisemitism. “We will protect New Yorkers’ First Amendment rights while making clear that nothing can justify language calling for ‘death to’ anyone. It is unacceptable, full stop,” he said.