Mamdani says New York City can’t arrest Netanyahu : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-22 01:04:00 — www.npr.org
President Trump Vows Netanyahu “Will Not Be Arrested” in U.S. Amid ICC Warrant
President Donald Trump publicly assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.” This statement, made in a social media post on Monday, comes as international scrutiny intensifies over the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Netanyahu, who faces accusations of crimes against humanity related to the war in Gaza.
Background: ICC Warrant and New York’s Response
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in 2024, alleging the use of “starvation as a method of warfare” and intentional targeting of civilians in Gaza—charges Israeli officials deny. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently stated that the city lacks the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant but called on the federal government to join the ICC and execute the warrant if Netanyahu visits the U.S., particularly for the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.
Trump’s Intervention
Trump’s unequivocal statement was directed at Netanyahu, promising protection from arrest while on U.S. soil. The post did not mention Mayor Mamdani or the city’s deliberations, but it directly contradicts Mamdani’s calls for federal action and underscores Trump’s ongoing support for the Israeli leader, regardless of international legal proceedings.
No Evidence or Fact-Check of False Claims
Within the excerpt, Trump’s statement is a clear assertion of his position but does not contain a verifiable falsehood or disparagement of individuals beyond his sweeping guarantee to Netanyahu. The excerpt does not provide evidence or context to fact-check Trump’s claim, nor does it address the legal complexities of enforcing international warrants in the U.S.
Conclusion
Trump’s public assurance to Netanyahu highlights the political divide over the ICC’s actions and the U.S. government’s stance on international law. As calls mount for accountability in the Gaza conflict, Trump’s intervention signals a continued willingness to shield allies from international prosecution, setting up a potential clash between federal and local authorities should Netanyahu travel to the United States.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/22/g-s1-134880/mamdani-nyc-netanyahu