In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump assured that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not face arrest during any future visits to the United States. This declaration comes amidst ongoing discussions surrounding an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Netanyahu. The President’s comments seem to counter suggestions made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously expressed intentions to explore legal avenues concerning Netanyahu’s attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York scheduled for September. Mamdani has been vocal about his belief that the Israeli leader should be held accountable for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
President Trump took to social media to emphasize that Netanyahu would not be apprehended “in any way, shape, or form” during his time in the United States. In his message, Trump also criticized Iran and defended Netanyahu’s contributions to regional security. The legal feasibility of New York City authorities detaining a foreign head of government has been a subject of debate among legal experts, especially given that the United States is not an ICC member and federal law restricts local governments from cooperating with the court.
In 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Both Israel and the United States have firmly denied these allegations. The Trump administration has maintained a tough stance against the ICC, having imposed sanctions on the court earlier in the year, arguing that the ICC’s actions pose a threat to US sovereignty.
Responding to Mayor Mamdani’s remarks, Netanyahu’s office criticized the focus on the prime minister, urging the mayor to prioritize issues affecting New York City rather than pursuing legal actions against the Israeli leader. This call for attention to local matters underscores the ongoing tensions between international legal proceedings and diplomatic relations.