ALBAWABA - New York City Mayor **Zohran Mamdani** has renewed his vow to attempt to implement the International Criminal Court’s arrest order on Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** if the Israeli leader visits the city.
“Netanyahu’s place is in The Hague,” Mamdani told The New York Times, pointing to the ICC, where the prime minister is wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Asked how he would respond if Netanyahu were to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mamdani said he would abide by the law, adding that every mayor has a responsibility to follow legal duties.
His comments are reminiscent of a campaign pledge he made when he ran for mayor that he would order the arrest of Netanyahu if the ICC warrant was still in existence when he came to New York.
One of the most vocal U.S. politicians to criticize Israel’s military operation in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023 is Mamdani. He has consistently accused the Israeli government of conducting a genocide against Palestinians and urged for an urgent cease-fire and an end to the siege on Gaza.
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister **Yoav Gallant** on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel denies the charges and questions the court's authority.
Netanyahu has not directly commented on Mamdani’s latest remarks. But in a virtual appearance at *The New York Times*’ DealBook discussion in December, he rejected worries about coming to New York, stating he would still come to the city despite calls for his arrest.
When asked if he would be willing to meet with Mamdani, Netanyahu replied any dialogue would have started with a recognition of Israel's right to exist.
