Netanyahu should go to The Hague, Mamdani says

2026-07-19

Mamdani cites arrest warrant

New York Mayor Mamdani told the New York Times in an interview that he believes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is subject to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), should be sent to The Hague. The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands.

With September U.S. visit ahead

He said he was considering how to respond, including whether to detain Netanyahu, when the Israeli leader visits New York in September for the United Nations General Assembly. According to U.S. media, Mamdani, a Muslim who took office in January, also said during his campaign that he intended to arrest Netanyahu if elected.

In talks with legal team

In the interview, he described Netanyahu as 'a war criminal prosecuted by the ICC. It is a result of the consequences of his actions over the past several years.' He added that he would act 'within the scope permitted by New York City law' and said he was 'consulting with the legal department' on the response.

In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others over the fighting in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including starvation as a method of warfare, murder and persecution. The United States is not a member of the ICC, so it is under no obligation to detain him.

Meanwhile, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danon posted on X, formerly Twitter, on the 18th that 'Netanyahu will visit New York and proudly address the United Nations General Assembly.' He then argued that 'if anyone should be arrested, it is Mamdani.'

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