New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has once again stated that he would honor international legal actions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if the foreign leader were to visit the city. Mamdani restated his position during an interview aired Friday on Politics Unusual, hosted by Morgan McKay.
During the conversation, McKay asked Mamdani about his upcoming transition meeting with outgoing Mayor Eric Adams. Mamdani explained that the meeting would take place after Adams returns from an overseas trip. McKay then pointed out that Adams was currently in Israel and had publicly invited Netanyahu to attend the inauguration of New York’s incoming mayor.
The question naturally followed:Would Mamdani attempt to arrest Netanyahu if he arrived for the ceremony?“A City That Upholds International Law”Mamdani did not shy away from the issue. He reiterated that his focus on day one would be taking office and advancing his affordability and governance agenda. However, he emphasized that New York City has long viewed itself as a place that respects international legal standards.
“I’ve said repeatedly that this is a city grounded in international law,” Mamdani said. “If there are warrants issued by the International Criminal Court—whether for Vladimir Putin or Benjamin Netanyahu—then those warrants should be honored. My responsibility is to explore every legal avenue available.”
He also noted that he does not intend to bend or reinterpret legal standards for political purposes, stressing that any action would rely on established legal procedures rather than personal judgment.
Past Interviews Echo the Same Stance
The question of how New York should respond to international legal cases involving world leaders first surfaced during Mamdani’s campaign. In an interview last December with journalist Mehdi Hasan, he was asked whether Netanyahu would be welcomed in New York City.
Mamdani responded directly: “No. As mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu. Our values align with international law, and our actions should reflect that.”
Hasan also raised the issue of Israel’s non-signatory status with the International Criminal Court. Mamdani maintained that his position was based on the principle that New York should uphold the standards of institutions it claims to respect, regardless of geopolitical complications.
A Debate Intersecting Law, Diplomacy, and City Governance
Mamdani has repeatedly emphasized that his public statements are grounded in his interpretation of existing international legal frameworks rather than attempts to create new ones. At the same time, his position has sparked significant discussion about how international law interacts with local jurisdiction—particularly when foreign leaders visit the United States.
While Mamdani continues to focus on preparing his new administration and shaping local policy priorities, the questions surrounding international accountability and diplomatic norms remain active points of debate. Whether these issues will have practical implications once he takes office will depend on events far beyond New York City’s borders.
