New York, Sep 22 (V7N)- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reiterated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be respected, despite Mamdani acknowledging that the city does not have independent legal authority to enforce the warrant.
Mamdani made the remarks in an interview with CNN after holding a cordial meeting with US President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor.
Speaking about Netanyahu, Mamdani described the Israeli prime minister in strongly critical terms and said he believes the ICC warrant should be honored if Netanyahu visits New York for the UN General Assembly.
He said the issue of accountability was also discussed during his meeting with Trump, adding that no individual should be considered above international law.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The United States and Israel are not members of the ICC.
Mamdani had previously said that New York City should enforce the warrant if Netanyahu entered the city. However, in July, he acknowledged after a legal review that his administration did not have the independent legal authority to carry out such an arrest.
He has also said he would not participate in protests against Netanyahu's visit, while maintaining that New Yorkers have the right to demonstrate peacefully.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. His planned visit has drawn renewed attention to the ICC warrant and the legal authority of US and New York authorities in relation to it.
During Monday's meeting, Trump and Mamdani largely focused on issues affecting New York, including immigration and a proposed multibillion-dollar housing project. Trump praised Mamdani after the meeting and said he hoped the mayor would be successful.
Mamdani, in turn, said he would continue engaging with Trump despite their political differences, particularly when cooperation could provide assistance to New York City residents.
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