New York: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will travel to New York despite a warning from incoming New York mayor Zohran Mamdani that he would face arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant.
Speaking about the situation, Netanyahu said that no threat would stop him from making the visit. He added that he was open to meeting Mamdani only if the mayor elect first recognized Israel’s right to exist.
Mamdani earlier accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. He also stated that once he takes office he would instruct New York authorities to enforce the ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu if he enters the city.
The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court. Because of this many legal experts doubt whether a US city can enforce the warrant or take legal action against a foreign leader.
The dispute has drawn global attention as it highlights rising tensions around the Israel Gaza war and the growing political divide in the United States surrounding international human rights cases.
Despite criticism and legal questions Netanyahu repeated that he intends to visit New York. Observers now wait to see whether his visit will cause a major legal and diplomatic test once Mamdani takes office.