As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to attend the United Nations General Assembly in September, the Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani considers arresting Netanyahu during his U.N. visit to New York City.
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While New York City’s mayor has no authority over U.S. foreign policy, Mamdani says he is exploring what legal options may exist if Netanyahu visits the city.
From The Western Journal:
“I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague,” Mamdani told The New York Times, referring to the United Nations’ International Court of Justice.
Mamdani has been overridden twice in recent months by the U.S. State Department for trying to deal with foreign leaders but remains firm on the question of arresting Netanyahu.
He said he was in “an active conversation” with the New York City Law Department about arresting Israel’s leader.
Mamdani has argued that Netanyahu should face accountability over the ongoing war in Gaza, pointing to charges issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Israel rejects those accusations, and the United States is not a party to the ICC.
The Israeli leader dismissed Mamdani’s comments, arguing that Israel remains the Middle East’s only democracy and accusing the mayoral candidate of siding with Hamas. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also criticized Mamdani, saying Netanyahu would come to New York to address the U.N. “with pride” and defend Israel’s right to protect its citizens.
President Donald Trump previously addressed the possibility of any attempt to detain Netanyahu, saying he would intervene if necessary. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul likewise stated last year that the mayor of New York City does not possess the authority to arrest a foreign head of government.
The issue is likely to receive renewed attention when world leaders gather in New York for the annual U.N. General Assembly this September.
As intercessors, let us pray for protection for Netanyahu, that war in the Middle-East will cease, that Trump will have the wisdom he needs, and that Mamdani’s plans will fail.
How are you praying for Israel, its leaders, and Netanyahu’s protection? Share your scriptures and prayers in the comments below.
(Excerpt by The Western Journal. Photo Credit: Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
