Brussels: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday stated that his administration is assessing the legal grounds to potentially arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his anticipated visit to the city for the UN General Assembly in September, as reported by The New York Times.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mamdani expressed his belief that Netanyahu should face trial in The Hague, labeling him a war criminal charged by the International Criminal Court. This statement was made during an appearance on The New York Times' The Interview podcast with Lulu Garcia-Navarro. Mamdani revealed that he is in discussions with the New York City Law Department to determine if he has the jurisdiction to instruct the New York Police Department to detain a foreign leader.

Mamdani clarified his stance, noting that any actions taken would be within the bounds of existing laws, as he does not intend to create new legislation for this purpose. This echoes his campaign promise to enforce the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Netanyahu should he visit New York.

Netanyahu, in a recent interview with radio host Sid Rosenberg, dismissed the notion of his arrest in New York, accusing Mamdani of supporting Hamas and questioning the mayor's judgment in condemning Israel, a nation he described as aligned with American values.

Mamdani has consistently criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, while also condemning Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In his interview, he also voiced criticism of US policy towards Gaza, described it as ineffective, and expressed support for potential presidential candidate Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the 2028 election. Additionally, he defended New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch's leadership, criticized former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, and identified affordability as a major challenge for New Yorkers.