Key facts
- Donald Trump declared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not face arrest in the United States.
- Trump's statement was made via a social media post on Monday.
- This declaration follows consultations by New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani regarding the possibility of arresting Netanyahu.
- The potential arrest was being considered in connection with Netanyahu's possible visit to the city for the United Nations General Assembly in September.
- The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 for alleged war crimes.
U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America." The former president made the declaration in a social media post.
Trump's statement comes after New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani indicated he was consulting with city authorities about the possibility of arresting Netanyahu. This potential action was being considered should Netanyahu visit the city in September for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani told a New York Times podcast that he believes Netanyahu is a war criminal charged by the International Criminal Court.
The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, has international jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Neither the United States nor Israel are members of the court. Mamdani, who took office in January, had stated during his mayoral campaign that he would have police arrest Netanyahu if he set foot in New York City.