US President Donald Trump has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested while visiting the United States, responding after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani indicated that the city could consider legal options related to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Although Trump did not directly mention Mamdani by name, his remarks came shortly after the mayor discussed the issue during a media interview.
Trump Defends Israeli Prime Minister
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated:
“Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.”
Trump also praised Netanyahu, describing him as a key figure in Israel’s confrontation with Iran. In the same statement, he criticized the Iranian government, accusing it of decades of hostility toward the United States and its allies.
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Mamdani Says City Is Reviewing Legal Options
The controversy began after Zohran Mamdani told The New York Times that New York City was examining all possible legal avenues regarding Netanyahu’s potential visit.
Speaking during The Interview podcast, the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist mayor said he believes Netanyahu “belongs in The Hague,” referring to the seat of the International Criminal Court. Mamdani also noted that the Israeli prime minister is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
ICC Arrest Warrant Issued in 2024
The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the conflict in Gaza.
Israel has rejected the ICC’s actions and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction in this matter. Israeli officials have previously criticized the tribunal, with the Israeli government describing it as a “kangaroo court.”
Netanyahu’s US Visit Expected This Week
According to the report, Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the United States later this week, with travel arrangements expected to begin on Saturday.
It remains unclear whether the ICC warrant will have any legal implications during the visit, but Trump’s statement signals that the US administration does not intend to enforce any such action while Netanyahu is on American soil.
