NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani doubles down on threat to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reiterated his intention to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani stated, "My administration will follow all applicable local laws," and believes that international criminal court warrants should be taken seriously. However, CBS News New York's Marcia Kramer reported that federal law, not local law, governs foreign policy and diplomatic relations, granting heads of state diplomatic immunity. This means Mamdani lacks the authority to arrest Netanyahu, and federal agents would intervene if an attempt were made. Former President Trump and Senator John Fetterman have both criticized Mamdani's stance, with Trump asserting Netanyahu "will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form." Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz expressed concern that the mayor's rhetoric could fuel antisemitism, stating, "It empowers antisemites."