New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on July 22, 2026, that after reviewing all legal avenues, the city does not have the independent authority to execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York City for the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Mamdani had previously vowed during his mayoral campaign to enforce the ICC warrant accusing Netanyahu of war crimes related to Israel's conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In a video posted on social media, Mamdani described Netanyahu as "the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people," alleging responsibility for the deaths of more than 73,000 people and the targeting of hospitals and humanitarian aid blockades.

However, Mamdani's recent concession that the city cannot legally arrest Netanyahu drew criticism from Mazal Tazazo, a survivor of the Nova music festival terrorist attack by Hamas. Tazazo called Mamdani's earlier video labeling Netanyahu a "war criminal" "dangerous," emphasizing that Hamas terrorists hide behind civilians, citing Israel Defense Forces statements about Hamas using civilian buildings for military purposes.

The controversy highlights tensions surrounding the ICC warrants issued in 2024 against Netanyahu and Israeli official Gallant, which Israel has strongly condemned as biased and false. Meanwhile, Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire last fall, although some operations have continued, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 1,000 deaths during the ceasefire period.

A New York Democrat expressed hope that Mamdani would not proceed with any arrests following his recent statements.

Sources