President Donald Trump has assured that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not face arrest during any future visits to the United States. This statement comes amidst discussions surrounding an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Trump’s comments seem to counter remarks from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had suggested exploring legal avenues regarding Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to New York for the UN General Assembly in September. Mamdani has been vocal about his belief that Netanyahu should be held accountable for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
In a social media post, Trump emphatically stated that Netanyahu “will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form” while in the U.S., further criticizing Iran and defending Netanyahu’s contributions to regional security. Legal experts have raised doubts about the authority of New York City officials to detain a foreign head of government. The U.S. is not a signatory to the ICC, and federal law restricts local governments from cooperating with the court.
The ICC issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Both Israel and the United States have strongly denied these allegations. During his administration, Trump has been a staunch opponent of the ICC, implementing sanctions against the court earlier this year and arguing that its actions undermine U.S. sovereignty.
Netanyahu’s office has also responded to Mayor Mamdani’s comments, urging him to concentrate on addressing issues within New York City rather than pursuing legal challenges against the Israeli leader. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of international law and the diplomatic tensions that can arise from such high-profile legal actions.