New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his administration is reviewing possible legal options if Netanyahu Visit to the city takes place in September for the United Nations General Assembly. Noreen Niazi NCCIA Summons Imran Khan’s Sister Over Alleged Social Media Remarks Mamdani said the review follows an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes linked to the Gaza conflict. In an interview with The New York Times, Mamdani said Netanyahu “belongs in The Hague” and his office is studying what actions are possible under the law. The mayor said the issue was not based on personal views but on the legal status of the ICC warrant. “We are discussing the International Criminal Court and the warrant issued against this prime minister,” Mamdani said. He added that New York officials would follow local laws. The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The court accused them of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The allegations include the alleged use of starvation as a method of warfare and attacks against civilians. Israel has rejected the accusations, while Netanyahu has called the charges politically motivated. Legal experts said New York City cannot independently enforce an ICC arrest warrant against a foreign leader. They said such authority rests with the federal government. Experts also noted that diplomatic protections could affect any possible action because Netanyahu would be visiting the United States for a UN event. The comments triggered criticism from Netanyahu and senior US officials. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas, while providing no evidence for the claim. US Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz also criticized Mamdani’s remarks. He described them as political messaging and said the United States is not part of the Rome Statute that created the ICC. Waltz added that agreements related to the UN headquarters provide protections for foreign leaders attending international meetings in New York. The controversy comes as international attention remains focused on Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the ICC’s role in investigating alleged violations of international law. Although more than 120 countries recognize the ICC, Israel and the United States are not members of the court, creating challenges over the enforcement of its arrest warrants. Post navigation Kyiv Strike Russian Missile Attack Kills One, Sparks Fires Across Ukrainian Capital Kuwait Iran Attacks Power Plant Hit as Gulf Tensions Escalate
