'Netanyahu belongs in the Hague': Mamdani considering Israel PM's arrest during NYC visit

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has said his administration is examining whether it has any legal authority to act if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the city for the United Nations general assembly in September.Speaking to The New York Times, Mamdani said discussions were underway with the city's legal team to determine what powers, if any, the mayor's office could exercise. "Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that's what we will do, but we won't be writing our own laws to that end," he said, adding that he is having "an active conversation" with New York City's law department on the matter.Mamdani also reiterated his criticism of the Israeli leader, saying, "I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in the Hague."

Referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC), he added, "He's a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court."The mayor argued that his stance reflects a broader international view. "And what you will find is that is an opinion that is held by many, purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years," he said.

ICC warrant against Netanyahu

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant, alleging they committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

According to the court, there are reasonable grounds to believe the two leaders bear criminal responsibility for using starvation as a method of warfare by restricting the flow of essential humanitarian supplies, including food, water, fuel, medicine and electricity, into Gaza. The warrants also accuse them of intentionally directing attacks against civilians and of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution and other inhumane acts linked to the humanitarian crisis.The court's findings are based on evidence gathered through May 2024.

Israel rejects allegations

Netanyahu and Gallant have strongly denied the accusations. Netanyahu's office described the ICC's allegations as "absurd and false," maintaining that Israel's military operations are lawful and necessary. Gallant has also rejected the ruling, calling it a dangerous precedent against a country's right to self-defence.Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York later this year for the annual UN general assembly, where world leaders gather for high-level meetings.