MAMDANI'S THREAT TO ARREST PM BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SPARKS DIPLOMATIC FIRESTORM
New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani has ignited international controversy after saying he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if the Israeli leader visited New York City while under an International Criminal Court warrant. Mamdani made the remarks during a campaign event in Queens on July 18, 2026. Asked how he would handle a visit from Netanyahu who faces an ICC arrest warrant issued in November 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza, Mamdani said: “As mayor, I would uphold the law. That includes cooperating with international legal obligations.” The comment immediately drew backlash from pro-Israel groups and several US lawmakers. Netanyahu does not currently have travel plans to New York, but the UN General Assembly meets in the city every September, and Israeli leaders routinely attend. Why is this matter receiving global attention? The US is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction over American citizens or allied leaders. The Biden and Trum...