‘He belongs in The Hague’: Progressive mayor reignites debate over international justice, US-Israel relations and limits of local authority.
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has sharply escalated his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, openly declaring him a “war criminal” and renewing calls for his arrest should he visit the city, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
In a widely circulated video and recent interviews, Mamdani stated: “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal… I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague.” He confirmed that his administration is actively consulting with the city’s legal department on options ahead of Netanyahu’s expected attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
ICC Warrant Fuels Mayoral Debate:
The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Israel has vehemently rejected the charges as biased and antisemitic, while the United States-not a member of the ICC-has long opposed the court’s jurisdiction over its allies.
Mamdani, who won the mayoral race on a progressive platform, made the arrest of Netanyahu a campaign promise. He has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as constituting genocide and argued that local authorities should honour the ICC warrant where possible.
Legal experts, however, largely view such an arrest as highly improbable. Sitting heads of government enjoy diplomatic immunity, particularly during UN visits, and US federal law prohibits cooperation with the ICC in this context. Any attempt by the NYPD would likely be blocked by federal authorities.
Trump Backs Netanyahu, Slams Critics
President Donald Trump responded forcefully, declaring that Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.” Trump praised Netanyahu’s role against Iran and stated that Iranian leaders, not the Israeli prime minister, should face justice.
Netanyahu’s office dismissed Mamdani’s comments as political theatre designed to distract from local issues.
The incident highlights growing divisions within the Democratic Party and across the United States over Israel. While many traditional Democrats and Republicans maintain strong support for Israel, a vocal progressive wing-represented by figures like Mamdani-has become increasingly critical, demanding accountability for civilian casualties in Gaza and restrictions on US military aid.
Mamdani's Remarks Deepen US-Israel Divide:
Mamdani’s stance reflects shifting sentiments among younger Americans and certain immigrant communities, particularly in diverse cities like New York. However, it has also drawn accusations of antisemitism and politicising local governance.
The controversy arrives as the UN General Assembly approaches, an event that typically brings world leaders-including Netanyahu-to New York. It raises questions about the intersection of municipal politics, foreign policy, and international law in the United States.
Human rights organisations and Palestinian advocacy groups have welcomed Mamdani’s position as a rare stand for accountability, while Jewish organisations and pro-Israel groups have condemned it as inflammatory and dangerous.
As the September UN session nears, the exchange between Mamdani, Trump, and Netanyahu’s government adds another layer to the already complex US-Israel relationship under the current administration. Whether it remains symbolic rhetoric or leads to any concrete local action will be closely watched.