New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that his administration lacks the independent authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani clarified this week that his administration does not have the independent authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite his previous campaign promise to do so. While Mamdani previously stated he would order the New York City Police Department to enforce the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant, he noted that the city cannot act alone. Mamdani is encouraging New Yorkers to participate in protests during Netanyahu’s potential visit to the city for the United Nations General Assembly in September. Although Mamdani has been a vocal critic of the Israeli leader, calling him the "architect of a horrific genocide," he emphasized that the city respects the First Amendment rights of all citizens. The NYPD is preparing for large demonstrations, which may be complicated by Mamdani’s personal stance. While the city may not enforce the arrest, the NYPD will provide security for the crowds. Mamdani previously faced criticism for the NYPD's role in providing security for ICE, an agency he has also condemned.

Sources