Mamdani considers arresting Netanyahu during UN General Assembly debate in New York

Background: Arrest warrant from The Hague

The backdrop to the conflict is an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu. If he travels to the USA, American authorities would have to decide whether to enforce the arrest warrant. The US government has so far not publicly stated whether it recognizes the warrant.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon reacted sharply to Mamdani's announcement. "Instead of focusing on his duties as mayor and confronting the growing wave of antisemitism in his city, he has chosen to stoke hostility and make headlines by attacking the State of Israel," Danon wrote on the online platform X.

Reaction from Israel

Danon also announced that Netanyahu will speak "with great pride before the United Nations General Assembly." He made clear that Israel intends to stick to its UN plans despite the threat from New York.

In a separate interview, Mamdani said he believes Netanyahu "secretly hates America." That remark created additional tensions between the two camps. Mamdani justified his stance with reference to the war in Gaza and the humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population.

The UN General Assembly debate traditionally begins in late September in New York. In the past, controversial heads of state have visited the USA without being arrested. At the same time, several countries have enforced International Criminal Court arrest warrants in recent years.

Legal situation in the USA

The legal situation is complex: The United States has not ratified the Rome Statute, which forms the basis of the International Criminal Court. As a result, the US government is not obligated under international law to enforce the court's arrest warrants. However, individual US cities have tried to go their own way in the past.

Mamdani's announcement comes at a time when relations between the USA and Israel are strained. At the same time, pressure on Israel is mounting over the situation in the Gaza Strip. Several European states have imposed sanctions or taken diplomatic steps in recent months.

Observers in Washington expect the US government to officially comment on Mamdani's plans in the coming weeks. The White House has not yet issued a statement. The New York Police Department also declined to comment on possible scenarios.

Outlook for the UN General Assembly debate

The United Nations General Assembly debate is considered one of the most important diplomatic events of the year. Heads of state and government from around the world use the stage to set out their positions. Netanyahu's potential address there is being awaited with great interest.

Mamdani stressed that his review is not yet complete. He wants to first explore all legal options before making a decision. At the same time, he made clear that he will not be intimidated by the criticism from Israel.