Former President Donald Trump has asserted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested during his upcoming visit to New York, pushing back against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s suggestion of potential arrest. Mamdani had stated that the prime minister is a “war criminal” facing charges from the International Criminal Court.
Trump cited the threat posed by Iran and defended Netanyahu’s actions, while Netanyahu’s office condemned the ICC and Mamdani, labeling the court a “kangaroo court” and urging the mayor to focus on domestic issues.
Trump Defends Netanyahu, Citing Iran Threat and Dismissing Arrest Rumors
New York, NY - Former President Donald Trump has publicly stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will not be arrested" during his upcoming visit to New York in September. This assertion directly counters recent remarks made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who indicated that the city's legal department was considering the possibility of an arrest.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a news conference in Jerusalem on June 15, 2026. (Ronen Zvulun | AFP | Getty Images)
Mayor Mamdani, speaking on The New York Times' "The Interview" podcast, expressed his belief that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague, citing charges brought against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Mamdani referred to Netanyahu as a "war criminal" whose actions have had devastating consequences over the years.
In response, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to firmly declare that Netanyahu would not face arrest in the United States. Trump framed the situation in the context of Israel's ongoing conflict, highlighting Iran's recent actions and its history of impacting American lives. He suggested that those responsible for Iran's current state, rather than Netanyahu, should be held accountable.
"Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America."
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on November 21, 2024, alleging responsibility for war crimes, including starvation as a method of warfare and intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population in Gaza. These charges stem from Israel's war in Gaza, which followed the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's office issued a strong statement on X, denouncing the ICC as a "kangaroo court" with no jurisdiction over Israelis or Americans. The office criticized the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, and suggested that Mayor Mamdani should instead focus on addressing issues within New York City, implying that both figures are attempting to divert attention from their own shortcomings by targeting the leader of Israel.
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