Trump Blocks Potential Arrest of Netanyahu in New York City

Donald Trump stated on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested in any form while visiting the United States. The president's intervention follows efforts by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to investigate the legal possibility of detaining Netanyahu during the UN General Assembly in September. Mamdani characterized Netanyahu as a war criminal and cited a 2024 International Criminal Court warrant related to the war in Gaza, stating he is consulting the city's Law Department on the matter.

Israeli officials dismissed the International Criminal Court as a "kangaroo court" and labeled the warrant "bogus." New York City Council member Inna Vernikov urged the State Department to warn Mamdani, arguing that the mayor lacks the legal authority to arrest a foreign diplomat and that his actions constitute political theater.

Parallel to these tensions, Netanyahu cancelled a planned visit to Washington and a meeting with Trump, officially citing scheduling conflicts. However, reports indicate the cancellation stemmed from friction over Iran policy and Trump's anger over Netanyahu's criticism of F-35 jet sales to Türkiye. Vice President JD Vance further strained relations by accusing members of the Israeli government of manipulating American public opinion to prolong the war with Iran.

Separately, Trump issued a directive to military leaders and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to ensure Iran pays "many times over" for recent drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan and Iraq that killed three service members.