Zohran Mamdani says New York City had conducted a legal review of the matter and concluded that municipal authorities do not have the jurisdiction to arrest a foreign head of government under current US law
NEW YORK: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 22nd, 2026) New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged the US Federal government to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that Washington has the legal authority to implement the court's decision.
Taking to the social media, Zohran Mamdani said New York City had conducted a legal review of the matter and concluded that municipal authorities do not have the jurisdiction to arrest a foreign head of government under current US law.
His remarks come as international debate continues over the ICC's arrest warrant and the extent to which governments are legally or politically obligated to cooperate with the court's decisions.
He maintained, however, that the federal government has the authority to cooperate with the ICC and execute the warrant, calling on Washington to fulfil what he described as its international legal responsibilities.
Mamdani said he supports the ICC's decision to seek Netanyahu's arrest, adding that the city's legal assessment confirmed New York authorities cannot take such action independently.
The mayor also made strong allegations against the Israeli prime minister, accusing him of committing war crimes and carrying out genocide against Palestinians. He claimed that more than 73,000 people had been killed during the conflict and said Netanyahu would not be welcomed in New York City.
