Netanyahu vows to go to New York City despite ICC arrest warrant, Mamdani - Al Jazeera

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he plans to travel to New York City to address the United Nations, despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and objections from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. In a Fox News interview aired on Sunday, Netanyahu said he intended to use the UN platform to defend Israel and the US-Israel relationship.

The dispute centers on Mamdani’s criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights. Netanyahu accused the mayor of “fomenting hate” and said Jewish Americans were fearful, while also making claims about Mamdani and his family that Al Jazeera described as false. Mamdani has previously said Netanyahu should be arrested if he enters the United States, though he later acknowledged New York City itself lacks the authority to carry out such an arrest.

The ICC issued warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The United States is not a member of the ICC, and any practical enforcement in the US would involve federal authorities rather than city officials.

Al Jazeera also cited polling suggesting US Jewish adults are divided on Mamdani and more negative toward Netanyahu, and that a YouGov poll found 46 percent of Americans believe Netanyahu should be arrested. The confrontation reflects a wider shift in US debate over Israel, Gaza, and continued American support for Israeli military policy.