Netanyahu Vows to Visit New York Despite Mamdani's ICC Arrest Threats

Despite Mamdani's statements, Netanyahu's arrest in New York remains highly improbable.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his intention to visit New York City, dismissing mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's threats to arrest him under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.

"Yes, I'll come to New York," Netanyahu declared during his interview with the New York Times' Dealbook forum on Wednesday.

When questioned about potential dialogue 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."

The 34-year-old democratic socialist mayor-elect has consistently stated his support for Israel's right to exist. However, New York's first Muslim and South Asian mayor-elect has avoided acknowledging Israel's right to be a Jewish state, arguing that no nation should maintain a "hierarchy of citizenship" based on religious or other factors.

BREAKING: Israeli PM Netanyahu declares in an interview with the New York Times: "I will come to New York despite Mamdani's promise to arrest me—wait and see."

Mamdani has expressed his belief that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and pledged to deploy the New York Police Department to enforce the ICC warrant against Netanyahu should he visit New York.

Israel has consistently refuted accusations of genocide and apartheid, even as the Hague-based ICC stated last year it had reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel's offensive in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

Israel, the United States, and Russia are among nations that have not joined the ICC.

Can Mamdani Arrest Netanyahu? Despite Mamdani's assertions, Netanyahu's arrest in New York remains unlikely, as the mayor-elect's authority to take such action is questionable.

In the United States, immigration matters fall under federal jurisdiction, and President Donald Trump's administration has demonstrated strong support for Israel, including imposing sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors.