Netanyahu Vows New York Visit Amid Mamdani's ICC Arrest Threat: 'Wait & See...'

Netanyahu Confirms New York Visit Amid Arrest Threats

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his intention to visit New York despite a controversial threat of arrest from mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The dispute stems from an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.

Netanyahu's Stance and Mamdani's Condition

Speaking virtually with The New York Times on Wednesday, Netanyahu stated unequivocally, "Yes, I'll come to New York." When queried about a potential meeting with Mamdani, the Israeli leader offered a condition: "If he changes his mind and says that we have the right to exist, that'll be a good opening for a conversation."

Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Pro-Palestinian Advocacy

Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, is poised to make history as New York's first Muslim and South Asian mayor. Known for his staunch pro-Palestinian views, he has openly advocated for a "free Gaza" and leveled accusations of war crimes and genocide against Israeli defense forces. Significantly, Mamdani has refrained from acknowledging Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.

The ICC Warrant and Legal Doubts

Earlier in the year, the leftist politician pledged to instruct the New York Police Department (NYPD) to enforce ICC arrest warrants targeting leaders accused of war crimes, specifically naming Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ICC indicated last year that it possessed reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s military operations in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

Israel, along with the United States and Russia, has rejected these accusations and is not a signatory to the ICC.

Despite Mamdani's assertive warnings, legal experts widely consider the likelihood of Netanyahu's arrest to be low. They also raise questions regarding a city mayor's actual authority to enforce international arrest warrants. Immigration matters fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, which, particularly under the Trump administration mentioned, has consistently supported Israel, including providing substantial military funding.

New York's Significance and Diplomatic Context

New York City itself is a significant hub, hosting the largest Jewish population outside Israel and serving as home to the United Nations headquarters. The city has frequently welcomed Netanyahu for official UN engagements, for which US agreements generally facilitate visa issuance. However, the Trump administration previously denied entry to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, illustrating the complexities of such decisions.