Zohran Mamdani Threatens Arrest of Israeli PM Netanyahu in New York

Zohran Mamdani, a New York‑based activist who ran for mayor on an anti‑Zionist platform, announced that he would seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if the leader arrived in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Mamdani acknowledged he lacks legal authority to detain the prime minister and instead challenged the U.S. administration to act.

The threat has been dismissed by commentators, including a Wall Street Journal editor who called the proposal “bupkis.” The episode highlights Netanyahu’s waning support from former ally Donald Trump and reflects growing political tension surrounding Israel’s handling of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.