Fact Check: Zoran Mamdani would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited NYC.

Fact Check: "Zoran Mamdani would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited NYC."

What We Know

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, has publicly stated that he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited the city. This claim originated during an interview with Mehdi Hasan, where Mamdani explicitly said, "No. As mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu" (source-1). He emphasized that the city should align its actions with international law, reflecting a broader stance on accountability for alleged war crimes (source-1).

Mamdani's comments were reiterated in various public appearances, including a speech at a synagogue in Manhattan, where he stated, "My answer is the same whether we are speaking about Vladimir Putin or Netanyahu" (source-1). He has consistently framed his position as a commitment to uphold international law, indicating that he believes leaders accused of war crimes should not be welcomed in New York City (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Mamdani would arrest Netanyahu is substantiated by multiple sources, including interviews and public statements made by Mamdani himself. His pledge to arrest Netanyahu is not merely a rhetorical flourish; it reflects a serious political stance that he has maintained throughout his campaign (source-1, source-4).

However, the practicality of such an arrest is complicated by the fact that the United States is not a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued a warrant for Netanyahu's arrest. This legal context raises questions about the feasibility of Mamdani's pledge, as federal authorities would likely contest any attempt to arrest a foreign leader under such circumstances (source-2).

Critics of Mamdani have pointed out that his stance may alienate potential voters, as a recent poll indicated that a plurality of New York voters oppose the idea of arresting Netanyahu (source-2). This suggests that while Mamdani's statement is clear and unequivocal, it may not resonate with the broader electorate, potentially impacting his campaign.

The sources reporting on Mamdani's statements vary in their editorial slant. For instance, Fox News and the Forward provide straightforward accounts of his comments, while other outlets may emphasize the controversy surrounding his views on Israel and international law (source-1, source-2, source-4). This variance in coverage highlights the polarized nature of discussions surrounding Israel and Palestine in U.S. politics.

Conclusion

The claim that Zohran Mamdani would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York City is True. Mamdani has made this statement multiple times in public forums, demonstrating a consistent commitment to this position. While the legal and political implications of such an action are complex, the assertion itself is directly supported by Mamdani's own words and public declarations.

Fact Check: Zoran Mamdani would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited NYC.