In response to calls for action against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former US President Donald Trump assured that Netanyahu would not face arrest during any visit to the United States. This statement came amid discussions of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning alleged war crimes in Gaza. Trump emphasized through social media that Netanyahu would not be detained “in any way, shape, or form” while in the country, as he also criticized Iran and praised Netanyahu’s contributions to regional security.
The controversy arose following remarks by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who expressed intentions to explore legal avenues concerning Netanyahu’s planned attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Mamdani has been vocal about wanting Netanyahu to be held accountable for accusations tied to his actions in Gaza. However, legal experts have cast doubt on the authority of New York City officials to detain a foreign leader, particularly given that the United States is not an ICC member and federal law restricts local authorities from engaging with the court.
The ICC’s arrest warrants, issued in 2024 against Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, cite alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Both Israel and the United States have firmly rejected these allegations. Netanyahu’s office has responded to Mamdani’s statements by urging the mayor to prioritize addressing New York City’s local issues rather than pursuing legal challenges against the Israeli leader.
The Trump administration has maintained a critical stance toward the ICC, previously imposing sanctions on the court. The administration argued that the ICC’s actions posed a threat to US sovereignty, reinforcing its opposition to the court’s involvement in matters concerning US allies. This position is consistent with the broader US skepticism regarding the ICC’s jurisdiction and processes, especially when applied to countries outside its membership.