Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as the new Mayor of New York on January 1, 2025. Mamdani had said during his election campaign that if he became mayor, he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as soon as he entered New York City. Mamdani had also reiterated this in an interview last month.

In fact, the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for 21 November 2024. Netanyahu is accused of deliberately depriving the citizens of Gaza of essential items for survival. Meanwhile, New York Council member Ina Vernikov sent Netanyahu an invitation to visit New York on January 1, 2025. Mamdani is also taking oath on the same day.

What did Vernikov say in the letter?

Vernikov is associated with the Republican Party and is pro-Jewish. He said in a letter to Netanyahu. Even if one does not agree with Netanyahu’s policies, he is the democratically elected Prime Minister of Israel. Vernikov said his invitation was meant to reaffirm the deep and enduring ties between the United States and Israel. He also criticized Mamdani.

One of @ZohranKMamdanis campaign promises was to arrest @netanyahuthe duly elected Prime Minister of @Israelupon his arrival in NYC. On January 1, Mamdani will take office. And also on January 1st, I look forward to welcoming Bibi to New York City. NY🗽will always stand with pic.twitter.com/bCXIpYXBFJ

— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) November 11, 2025

Will Netanyahu be arrested?

America is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), so as per US law, the ICC warrant will not be implemented in the city. The US Constitution gives the federal government the right to decide foreign affairs. This means that even if New York City officials try to arrest Netanyahu, federal agencies can stop them.

Mamdani had said, I will work within the ambit of law. I will not create my own legal system. But Netanyahu’s time to celebrate in this city must end. However, Netanyahu did not take Mamdani’s threat seriously. At the White House in July 2025, he said that US President Donald Trump is my elder brother, he will bring me to New York.