Netanyahu Confirms New York Visit Despite ICC Arrest Warrant Threats from Mayor-Elect Mamdani

"Yes, I'll come to New York," Netanyahu stated during a virtual interview with the New York Times.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Wednesday his intention to visit New York despite incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani's threats to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him.

During a virtual appearance at the New York Times' Dealbook forum, Netanyahu affirmed, "Yes, I'll come to New York."

When questioned about potentially engaging with Mamdani, Netanyahu responded, "If he changes his mind and says that we have the right to exist, that'll be a good opening for a conversation."

Mamdani, who will make history as New York's first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, has consistently expressed support for Israel's right to exist.

However, he has hesitated to acknowledge Israel's right to be specifically a Jewish state, maintaining that no nation should establish a "hierarchy of citizenship" based on religious or other factors.

The mayor-elect has pledged to direct the New York Police Department to enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants against leaders including Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The ICC in The Hague stated last year there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu bore responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel's military campaign in Gaza following Hamas's unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023.

Israel has strongly rejected these accusations. Notably, Israel, the United States, and Russia are among countries that have not joined the ICC.

Despite Mamdani's declarations, experts consider Netanyahu's arrest unlikely and question whether the mayor-elect possesses the authority to execute such action.

Immigration matters fall under federal jurisdiction, and President Donald Trump's administration has staunchly defended Israel, even imposing sanctions against ICC judges and prosecutors.

New York hosts the largest Jewish population outside Israel as well as the United Nations headquarters, where Netanyahu regularly attends the annual General Assembly.

Under host country agreements, the United States is expected to issue visas for official UN business, although the Trump administration denied entry to Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in September.