New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said his administration is examining whether any legal action can be taken against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this year. In an interview with The New York Times, Mamdani reiterated his view that Netanyahu should face justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC), referring to the court’s allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. However, the mayor acknowledged that he is uncertain whether he has the legal authority to direct the New York Police Department (NYPD) to detain a foreign head of government and confirmed that the matter is being reviewed by the city’s legal team.

Mamdani stated that his administration would act only within the limits of the law, saying any decision would depend on the legal powers available to the city. The mayor has previously expressed support for enforcing ICC arrest warrants against international leaders wanted by the court, including Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The issue has gained attention ahead of the UN General Assembly, scheduled for September at the UN headquarters in New York, where world leaders from across the globe are expected to participate.

The remarks drew a sharp response from Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, who accused Mamdani of targeting Israel instead of addressing issues within New York City. Danon asserted that Netanyahu would attend the UN General Assembly as planned and defend Israel’s position before the international community. Netanyahu has also previously criticized Mamdani, accusing him of supporting Hamas and making hostile remarks against both Israel and the United States. The exchange has further intensified political tensions surrounding the Israeli leader’s expected visit to New York and the ongoing international debate over the ICC’s actions.