Overview of the Situation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he wants to come to New York. The International Criminal Court has already issued an arrest warrant for him. Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York, has stated that the city would follow that warrant.
Details of Netanyahu's Statement
Netanyahu gave his comments in an interview via video. Pressed on travel plans, he responded that he does want to visit New York. Asked about speaking with Mamdani, he responded that Mamdani should correct his stance and recognize Israel's right to exist to begin any dialogue.
Mamdani's Position
Mamdani is a democratic socialist who just won the New York mayoral election. Throughout his campaign, he was sharply critical of Netanyahu. Mamdani referred to Netanyahu as a war criminal and said he would support an arrest if Netanyahu entered New York while an ICC warrant remained active.
ICC Arrest Warrant Context
In 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the conflict in Gaza. The warrants could lead to their arrest in any ICC member state. Netanyahu has dismissed Mamdani’s warnings, saying he still plans to visit New York.
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