US President Donald Trump has declared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested while visiting the United States, responding after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani suggested that legal options, including enforcing an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, could be considered.
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Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.” He also praised the Israeli leader, describing him as a key figure in confronting Iran and defending Israel’s security.
The remarks came after Mamdani, in an interview with The New York Times and its podcast The Interview, said the city was examining all possible legal avenues regarding Netanyahu’s visit. Mamdani argued that the Israeli prime minister should face justice over allegations linked to the war in Gaza.
“I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague,” Mamdani said, referring to the ICC, which issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Netanyahu and the Israeli government have rejected the allegations.
Israel also dismissed the ICC’s actions, describing the court as illegitimate and criticising the arrest warrants. Israeli officials have consistently argued that the country has the right to defend itself against armed groups and have challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the United States later this week, with travel arrangements expected to begin on Saturday. His visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and continued international debate over the conflict in Gaza.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, relies on its member states to execute arrest warrants, while the United States is not a member of the court. Legal experts note that any attempt to enforce an ICC warrant on US soil would face significant legal and diplomatic hurdles.
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Trump’s statement underscores Washington’s continued political support for Netanyahu despite ongoing international scrutiny surrounding the Gaza conflict and the ICC proceedings.