• New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is exploring the possibility of arresting Israeli PM Netanyahu during the UN General Assembly.
• Mamdani claims Netanyahu is a 'war criminal' according to ICC charges related to Gaza.
• The US Ambassador to the UN dismissed the threat as 'pure political theater' citing diplomatic immunity.
• Netanyahu's planned attendance at the UN remains unaffected by Mamdani's statements.
• The controversy reflects shifting sentiments among Democratic voters regarding support for Israel.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is actively considering the legal implications of potentially arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September. Mamdani stated in an interview that he believes "Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in the Hague," emphasizing that "he’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court" (ICC) concerning alleged war crimes in Gaza. Discussions with the city’s legal team are ongoing to understand the extent of his authority, although he clarified, "we won’t be writing our own laws to that end," according to Al Jazeera and India Times.

Mamdani's commentary has been met with swift rebuttals from Netanyahu’s office and US officials. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, asserted that Netanyahu will undoubtedly attend the UNGA and accused Mamdani of neglecting his duties as mayor. Danon stated, "If anyone should be arrested, it is @NYCMayor Zohran Mamdani," pointing to local governance issues that he argues Mamdani has failed to address. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz described Mamdani's threats as "pure political theater," explaining that US law protects diplomatic immunity for visiting heads of state and leaves no room for such local actions, according to India Times and Le Monde.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in 2024, alleging accountability for war crimes during Israel's military actions in Gaza. Despite these claims, Israel's leadership has consistently refuted the allegations, with Netanyahu's office calling them "absurd and false," stressing that their military operations adhere to international law. The ongoing legal discussions reflect a dramatic shift within the Democratic voter base, as public opinion has increasingly diverged from traditional support for Israel to a broader critique, highlighted by poll data showing significant opposition to US aid, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.