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Unable to arrest Netanyahu, Mamdani says New Yorkers should protest Israeli leader at UN
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jul 22, 2026
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Anna Connors - Pool/Getty Images
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jul 22, 2026
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday called on New Yorkers to hold protests against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the mayor admitted he lacked the legal authority to order the arrest of a head of state.
Mamdani's remarks came a day after he said in a video he did not have the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu on an International Criminal Court warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, something he said he would do during his 2025 campaign. During the video, he called Netanyahu “the architect of a horrific genocide.”
Speaking to reporters, Mamdani reiterated he didn’t have the power to detain a foreign head of state, but reminded people of their right to peaceful demonstration. Netanyahu is expected to visit the city in September for the United Nations General Assembly.
“This is a city where, if anyone feels a level of frustration or opposition, protest is something that we will always respect,” Mamdani said during a press conference at City Hall. “That New Yorkers can express themselves, whether they are in support or in opposition, no matter on whatever topic. And I've always said that when we respect our Constitution, we also respect our First Amendment.”
Mamdani’s call for the federal government to arrest Netanyahu could thrust the issue into the upcoming midterm elections. It could also inspire larger demonstrations against Israeli officials and supporters during the U.N. General Assembly.
Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the U.N., on Tuesday confirmed Netanyahu’s planned attendance at the general assembly.
“He will defend the people of Israel,” he said in a speech at the U.N. “And there is nothing you can do to stop him.”
The day before, President Donald Trump said on social media that Netanyahu would not be arrested “in any way, shape or form.”
Mamdani had previously said he was consulting with the city’s Law Department over whether the city could carry out the international arrest warrant for Netanyahu. But in the video released Tuesday night, the mayor said the city did not have the legal authority to perform such an arrest, He called Netanyahu a “war criminal” who was not welcome in New York City.
On Wednesday, he said he sympathized with Palestinian New Yorkers who may be disappointed.
“I understand it, because we are talking about someone who has been charged with crimes against humanity, someone who has visited this city on many occasions, and who has been welcomed by previous mayors,” he said.
Some Jewish leaders criticized Mamdani’s video and accused him of singling out the head of the Jewish state.
The UJA-Federation of New York issued a statement on Wednesday accusing the mayor of “political grandstanding” and spreading “disinformation.”
“At a time of rising antisemitism, repeatedly singling out and vilifying the world's only Jewish state for perceived political benefit is repugnant, puts Jews at greater risk - and leaves many Jewish New Yorkers feeling targeted and unwelcome in the city we call home. Shame on you,” the statement read.
Netanyahu is one of many foreign officials who have outstanding arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Russian President Vladimir Putin are also on the ICC's list for alleged war crimes.
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Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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