Mamdani challenges Trump to arrest ‘war criminal’ Netanyahu when he visits U.S

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has challenged President Donald Trump to execute the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Mamdani stated this in video after Mr Trump dismissed his threat that he was considering arresting Mr Netanyahu should the Israeli prime minister visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly slated for September.

“My administration has reviewed any avenue available under applicable law to determine whether the New York City can execute the warrant issued by the criminal court if Netanyahu came here. It’s clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant. Federal government, however, does and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant,” he stated.

Mr Mamdani, who alleged that Mr Netanyahu remained a war criminal over attacks on Palestine, added, “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. The architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people. He is responsible for the killing of more than 73,000 people, for the maiming of tens of thousands of children, as those who survive undergo amputation without anaesthesia.

“For the targeting of neonatal hospitals and maternity centres, denying newborns even the chance to live, for the countless people he starved as he blocked food and humanitarian aid from reaching them in the region. For the gunning down of hundreds of aid workers and journalists.”

He reaffirmed his support for the ICC warrant against Mr Netanyahu, insisting he must be arrested and tried for crimes against humanity.

“Anyone with their eyes, with their heart and with their conscience should recognise the devastation he has wrought and understand that he belongs before a court of law. As I have said, I agree with the ICC that Netanyahu be arrested and tried for his crimes, as I do for anyone else charged by the ICC,” stated Mr Mamdani. “I want to be equally clear that Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City nor any other war criminals at large.”