US President Donald Trump has firmly stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not face arrest during any of his future visits to the United States, countering demands related to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This declaration came after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his intention to consider all possible legal avenues concerning Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September. Mamdani has contended that Netanyahu should be held accountable for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
In a social media post, Trump assured that Netanyahu “will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form” while in the US and took the opportunity to criticize Iran, emphasizing Netanyahu’s contribution to regional security. Legal analysts, however, question whether local authorities in New York possess the jurisdiction to detain a foreign head of state. The United States, which is not a signatory to the ICC, legally prevents local governments from collaborating with the court.
The ICC had issued arrest warrants in 2024 against Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Both Israel and the United States have consistently dismissed these allegations. The Trump administration has also adopted a strong stance against the ICC, having imposed sanctions on the court earlier in the year, arguing that its actions infringe upon US sovereignty.
Responding to Mamdani’s remarks, Netanyahu’s office urged the mayor to concentrate on addressing issues within New York City rather than pursuing legal actions against the Israeli prime minister. This response highlights the ongoing tensions between international judicial actions and political relationships, particularly as they pertain to leaders accused of international crimes.