U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz Rejects NYC Mayor Mamdani’s Threats to Arrest Netanyahu

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz dismissed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s statements about potentially arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit for the United Nations General Assembly, labeling the idea “pure political theater.”

Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel, told The New York Times that his legal team is examining whether the city could detain Netanyahu, citing an International Criminal Court warrant. He has repeatedly called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and expressed support for efforts to hold him accountable.

Waltz responded by outlining why such an action is impossible:

• The U.S. is not a party to the Rome Statute underlying the ICC.
• The UN Headquarters Agreement grants diplomatic protections to visiting heads of government.
• Head-of-state immunity applies under international law.
• Federal authority overrides any local mayor’s directives.

The ambassador’s points align with longstanding U.S. policy rejecting ICC jurisdiction over non-member states and allies like Israel. Legal experts and pro-Israel advocates have called Mamdani’s comments grandstanding aimed at his progressive base rather than a viable plan.

Israeli officials, including UN Ambassador Danny Danon, rejected the threats as inflammatory. Federal agencies, including the State Department and Secret Service, will handle security for Netanyahu’s expected September visit, rendering any local interference impossible.

The episode highlights tensions between progressive local leadership in New York and the Trump administration’s strong support for Israel. Mamdani’s office continues internal discussions, but constitutional and diplomatic barriers make any arrest attempt unfeasible.