New York’s Mamdani says looking into Netanyahu arrest during city visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has indicated he is in active consultation with the city's law department to determine what legal authority he may possess to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should the latter visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September. During an interview with The New York Times, Mamdani reiterated his position that Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza, must be held accountable for Israeli military operations in the region.

Mamdani stated that he would pursue whatever legal avenues available to him within New York City's jurisdiction, while clarifying that he would not circumvent existing law to achieve this objective. The mayor, a democratic socialist and vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, had made arresting Netanyahu a campaign promise during his mayoral bid, though observers questioned the practical feasibility of such a pledge.

In response to Mamdani's statements, Netanyahu dismissed the threat during an interview with radio personality Sid Rosenberg, suggesting the mayor harbors anti-American sentiment. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon separately affirmed that Netanyahu intends to attend the September UNGA meeting regardless of arrest threats.

Mamdani's election and continued calls for Netanyahu's accountability reflect broader shifts within the Democratic Party regarding Israel policy. Recent polling indicates that approximately 73 percent of Democratic voters oppose US military aid to Israel, a significant increase from 45 percent three years prior. Nearly half of surveyed Democrats stated their party provides excessive support to Israel, particularly following the Gaza conflict, which numerous human rights organizations and international figures have characterized as genocide.

While these sentiment changes have not yet produced major policy shifts at the national Democratic leadership level, an increasing number of Democratic politicians have begun adjusting their positions on Israel. During the week of the interview, nearly half of Democratic members in the US House of Representatives voted in favor of ending US aid to Israel, reflecting the evolving political landscape on this issue.