Netanyahu's office condemns New York mayor's remarks over possible arrest during UN General Assembly

Monday 20 July 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Netanyahu's office condemns New York mayor's remarks over possible arrest during UN General Assembly

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized comments made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who suggested that Israeli leader could face arrest if he travels to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly in September.

The exchange marks the latest escalation in the political and legal debate surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu, highlighting growing tensions between international legal proceedings and diplomatic relations.

Netanyahu's office rejects mayor's comments

In a statement published on social media, Netanyahu's office described Mamdani's remarks as "absurd" and accused the New York mayor of diverting attention from domestic issues.

The Israeli prime minister's office also drew a comparison with suspended ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, alleging that both were seeking to shift public attention by targeting the Israeli leader.

Karim Khan was suspended in June while allegations of sexual misconduct involving a member of his staff are being addressed. Those allegations are separate from the ICC's judicial proceedings concerning Israel.

Mamdani raises possibility of enforcement

In an interview published by The New York Times, Mamdani argued that Netanyahu belongs in The Hague, referring to the ICC arrest warrant issued against the Israeli prime minister.

The mayor acknowledged that he was uncertain whether he possesses the legal authority to order the arrest of a foreign head of government. He said his administration was engaged in discussions with New York authorities to clarify the city's legal responsibilities should Netanyahu visit during the annual UN General Assembly.

Mamdani added that his administration would act only within the powers granted under applicable law.

Legal and diplomatic questions remain unresolved

The comments come ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for September at UN headquarters in New York, where world leaders traditionally gather for high-level diplomatic meetings.

The possibility of enforcing an ICC arrest warrant on U.S. territory raises complex legal and diplomatic questions. The United States is not a State Party to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court, a factor that has long complicated the court's jurisdiction and the enforcement of its warrants.

Whether Netanyahu attends the UN gathering, and how U.S. authorities would respond to any legal requests related to the ICC warrant, remains uncertain.

The latest exchange illustrates how international justice issues continue to influence diplomatic relations, with political leaders increasingly confronting legal questions that extend beyond their national borders.