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

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is consulting city legal officials on whether his administration could seek to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he comes to New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September. The report, published July 18, 2026, cited Mamdani’s remarks in a New York Times interview released Saturday and noted that he had made a similar pledge during his mayoral campaign.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist and prominent supporter of Palestinian rights, linked his position to the International Criminal Court warrant involving Netanyahu over alleged crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s war in Gaza. He said he believes Netanyahu should face proceedings in The Hague, but also indicated the city would act only within its legal authority and would not create new rules for that purpose.

The question is politically and legally significant because New York hosts UN headquarters, making it a frequent destination for foreign leaders. Al Jazeera reported that Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, said Netanyahu still intends to attend the September UNGA session. Netanyahu, asked about Mamdani’s position by radio host Sid Rosenberg, responded by accusing the mayor of secretly hating America.

Al Jazeera framed the dispute against shifting Democratic Party opinion on Israel and Gaza, citing a May poll showing increased opposition among Democratic voters to US aid for Israel. The report also noted that many House Democrats recently backed a measure to end such aid, while party leaders remain divided and US policy has not shifted decisively.