Overview

• Zohran Mamdani told the New York Times he would direct New York police to detain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon entry to the city under an International Criminal Court warrant.
• He said he would take the same approach toward Vladimir Putin, citing the Russian leader’s ICC indictment in 2023.
• Scholars quoted in coverage said such an arrest is a practical impossibility because the United States does not recognize the ICC and sitting heads of government have immunity.
• The Times report noted the move could trigger a confrontation with Washington, and past U.S. actions under President Trump included sanctions on the ICC.
• Netanyahu previously dismissed the threat and said he could travel with President Trump, who warned Mamdani to behave or face big problems.