Democratic socialist candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has reasserted his position that he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if the latter were to visit New York City. The statement, which was first made during a December 2024 interview with former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan, has drawn both support and skepticism from various political figures. Mamdani argued that New York City should align its actions with international criminal law, despite the United States not recognizing the International Criminal Court (ICC)—an organization that issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu in 2024.
Mamdani’s promise has unsettled some of his allies. Murad Awawdeh, head of the New York Immigration Coalition, told The New York Times that such a move was not a top priority for his base. Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Democratic congressman from New York, dismissed the idea as unrealistic, emphasizing that the city does not have the jurisdiction to issue such an arrest. These responses highlight the internal disagreement within Mamdani’s political camp about the practicality and priority of his stance on Netanyahu.
Despite the skepticism, Mamdani remains firm in his position. In a recent interview with Mehdi Hasan, he reiterated that, as mayor, New York should reflect its values by adhering to international law. He argued that the situation calls for action, as the U.S. federal administration has been criticized for lacking leadership on such issues. The decision to pursue this stance was reinforced by recent events, such as the release of Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity. In a statement, Mamdani expressed hope that the ceasefire would hold and that the focus could shift toward reconstruction, acknowledging the impact of U.S. policies on global conflicts.
In his broader political strategy, Mamdani has proposed significant legal defense funding for immigrants as part of his ‘Trump-proofing’ plan for New York City. While the idea has been met with criticism, it underscores his commitment to addressing immigration challenges and preparing for potential political shifts. Overall, Mamdani’s stance on Netanyahu and his other policy proposals reflect a mix of ideological conviction and strategic planning, shaping the narrative of his campaign.