NEW YORK, July 19: The administration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reviewing its legal options regarding a possible visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Speaking with The New York Times, Mamdani said his administration is consulting with the New York City Law Department to determine the extent of the mayor’s legal authority should Netanyahu travel to New York.
“Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do, but we won’t be writing our own laws to that end,” Mamdani said, adding that he is maintaining “an active conversation” with the city’s legal department on the matter.
The mayor also reiterated his criticism of the Israeli prime minister.
“I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague,” Mamdani said, referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“He’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court,” he added.
Mamdani said his position reflects the views of many people around the world.
“And what you will find is that is an opinion that is held by many, purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years,” he said.
The mayor’s comments follow the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
According to the ICC, there are reasonable grounds to believe the two leaders bear criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The court said the allegations include using starvation as a method of warfare by restricting humanitarian supplies, including food, water, fuel, medicine, and electricity, into Gaza.
The warrants also accuse the two officials of intentionally directing attacks against civilians and include allegations of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts connected to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The ICC said its findings are based on evidence collected through May 2024. (ANI)
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