New York, Jul 19 (V7N)- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said his office is reviewing whether he has the legal authority to order the city’s police department to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Speaking on The Interview, Mamdani said he believes Netanyahu should face proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC), referring to the court’s actions against the Israeli leader.
“I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague,” Mamdani said, adding that Netanyahu is an ICC-indicted figure and that many people share concerns over his actions in recent years.
However, the mayor acknowledged that it remains unclear whether a city mayor has the legal authority under U.S. law to direct local law enforcement to arrest a foreign head of government.
Mamdani said he is currently engaged in “active discussions” with the New York City Law Department to determine the legal possibilities and limitations surrounding such an action.
The issue could draw renewed international attention in September, when global leaders are expected to gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly. If Netanyahu attends, discussions surrounding the ICC arrest warrant and its potential enforcement are likely to become a major diplomatic topic.
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