Netanyahu accuses Mamdani of ‘fomenting hate’ in calls for PM’s arrest | US news
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-26 15:43:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Asserts Netanyahu “Will Not Be Arrested” in the U.S. Amid ICC War Crimes Warrant
Donald Trump has 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.” Trump’s statement, made in a social media post, comes as international scrutiny intensifies over Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza and as the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest on charges of crimes against humanity.
Trump’s Position on ICC Arrest Warrant
Trump’s unequivocal message to Netanyahu directly addresses calls from some U.S. political figures, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, for the federal government to execute the ICC’s arrest warrant if Netanyahu visits the United States. Mamdani, who has been vocal in his criticism of Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza, has stated that while the city lacks legal authority to enforce the warrant, he encourages federal authorities to act.
Trump’s statement dismisses the possibility of any such action, signaling clear opposition to the ICC’s authority over U.S. soil and aligning himself with Netanyahu amid growing international pressure.
Context: Rising Tensions and Political Divides
The ICC has accused Netanyahu, along with other Israeli and Hamas leaders, of crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Palestinian territory’s health ministry reports over 73,000 deaths in Israel’s offensive, with roughly half being women and children. The war, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, has sharply divided international opinion and U.S. political circles.
Netanyahu remains a polarizing figure, and Trump’s intervention places him at the center of a contentious debate over international law, U.S. foreign policy, and the limits of American jurisdiction.
No Evidence of Legal Authority for Arrest
Trump’s assertion that Netanyahu will not be arrested reflects the current legal reality: the U.S. government has not recognized the ICC’s jurisdiction over its citizens or allies, and there is no precedent for a sitting or former foreign head of government being detained on U.S. soil at the request of the ICC. Trump’s statement, while forceful, aligns with longstanding U.S. policy rejecting ICC authority in such matters.
Conclusion
Trump’s public promise to Netanyahu underscores his continued support for the Israeli leader and his rejection of international efforts to hold Netanyahu accountable through the ICC. As the debate over Israel’s actions in Gaza and the role of international law continues, Trump’s stance highlights the deep divisions within U.S. politics and the broader global community on issues of accountability and justice.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/26/netanyahu-mamdani-icc-arrest-gaza-war-united-nations