Trump Says Netanyahu Will Not Face Arrest in US; NYC Mayor Considers ICC Warrant
US President Donald Trump has stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested during any visit to the United States. The statement comes as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani indicated he is exploring legal options to detain Netanyahu based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, 'Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.' He credited Netanyahu for assisting the US in its conflict with Iran, without mentioning Mayor Mamdani directly.
Mamdani, in a New York Times video podcast aired on Saturday, said the city's legal department is actively reviewing what the law permits. 'I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague. He's a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court,' Mamdani stated.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, alleging war crimes during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli government has denied these allegations and rejected the court's jurisdiction, asserting that its military operations comply with international law.
Traditionally, Netanyahu travels to New York each September to attend the United Nations General Assembly session, where world leaders gather annually. Trump's assurance suggests that future visits by Netanyahu to the US will proceed without legal hindrance from federal or local authorities.
