Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, sparked controversy by pledging to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city during his potential tenure. This bold statement, made during a December 2024 interview with Mehdi Hasan, aligns with Mamdani’s vocal support for Palestinian rights and his criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he has described as genocide. Citing the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, Mamdani declared, “As mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu. This is a city where our values align with international law.” The U.S., however, is not a signatory to the ICC, rendering such an arrest legally contentious and unlikely under federal law.
Mamdani’s pledge drew sharp attention after his unexpected victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the June 24, 2025, Democratic primary. His campaign, fueled by progressive grassroots support, emphasized affordability and social justice, but his stance on Israel has polarized voters. While some praise his commitment to international law, others, particularly in New York’s large Jewish community, view his rhetoric as inflammatory. Mamdani’s refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and his defense of the phrase “globalize the intifada” have further fueled criticism, with figures like the Anti-Defamation League’s Jonathan Greenblatt calling the slogan an “incitement to violence.”
In response, Netanyahu issued a terse nine-word statement: “New York’s mayor cannot arrest a sovereign nation’s leader.” This quip, delivered via a spokesperson, infuriated Mamdani, who saw it as dismissive of his commitment to accountability. The remark, reported widely, underscored the diplomatic complexities of Mamdani’s pledge, given the U.S.-Israel alliance and the lack of ICC jurisdiction. Mamdani doubled down, comparing his stance to other nations honoring ICC warrants, such as Canada and European countries, which have deterred Netanyahu’s travel.
The controversy has amplified tensions in New York’s mayoral race, where Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim and democratic socialist, faces a five-way general election in November 2025. Opponents, including independent candidates Eric Adams and potentially Cuomo, have seized on the issue to court Jewish voters, who represent a significant voting bloc. A Honan Strategy Group poll from June 2025 showed 45% of likely voters oppose arresting Netanyahu, while 36% support it, highlighting the divisive nature of Mamdani’s stance.
Mamdani’s supporters, including progressive groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, argue his position reflects a principled stand for human rights. Critics, however, question his focus on foreign policy over local issues like housing and public safety, accusing him of alienating key constituencies. The debate underscores broader divisions within the Democratic Party, as Mamdani’s victory signals a shift toward progressive, anti-establishment politics. As the November election looms, his pledge to arrest Netanyahu remains a flashpoint, testing the balance between ideological conviction and pragmatic governance in one of America’s most diverse cities.
