U.S. President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not be arrested if he visits the United States, as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces growing pressure over how the city would respond to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
Trump dismissed suggestions that Netanyahu could face arrest in the United States, saying the Israeli leader would be welcomed and protected during any visit. His remarks came amid renewed debate over the ICC’s warrant and whether local authorities would have any role in enforcing it.
The comments followed statements by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been asked whether New York City would cooperate with international legal requests if Netanyahu were to visit. Mamdani has not committed to any specific course of action, saying the issue involves complex legal and jurisdictional questions beyond the authority of the city’s government.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the conflict in Gaza. Israel rejects the allegations, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction and that its military operations comply with international law.
The United States is not a member of the ICC and does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction over U.S. citizens or Israeli officials. Trump reiterated Washington’s longstanding opposition to the court’s actions against Israel, describing the warrants as politically motivated.
Legal experts noted that because the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, it is under no treaty obligation to enforce ICC arrest warrants. They added that any attempt to detain a visiting foreign leader would involve complex legal and diplomatic considerations.
The issue has intensified political debate in the United States as international scrutiny of the Gaza conflict continues. Supporters of the ICC say its decisions should be respected, while critics argue the court has exceeded its authority in pursuing Israeli leaders.
Leave a comment