Legally — no, he cannot. Although newly elected New York Mayor–elect Zohran Mamdani once said he would have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he ever set foot in the city, legal experts have made it clear that this is not possible under U.S. law.
Here’s why:Federal law bars cooperation with the ICC — The U.S. government does not recognize the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued Netanyahu’s war crimes warrant.Diplomatic immunity applies — As Israel’s head of state, Netanyahu has full diplomatic protection while visiting the U.S.
Federal authority overrides city power — Even if Mamdani wanted to act, New York police fall under U.S. federal jurisdiction in matters of international law. Arresting a foreign leader would violate diplomatic protocol and federal law.
In short, Mamdani’s statement was symbolic — a political stance reflecting his support for international justice and Palestinian rights, not a step he could legally enforce.
