Netanyahu Defies Threats, Vows to Visit New York Despite ICC Warrant
Image Source: Internet
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to visit New York, despite threats from the city's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, to arrest him over an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. Mamdani, who is set to become the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, has stated that he will direct the NYPD to act on ICC arrest warrants, including those for Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ICC has linked Netanyahu to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza, following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. However, Israel has rejected these allegations, and the US has not joined the ICC. Netanyahu's visit to New York is expected to take place despite these developments. When asked if he would seek to speak to Mamdani, Netanyahu said that he would only consider a conversation if Mamdani acknowledged Israel's right to exist. Mamdani has expressed concerns about Israel's treatment of its citizens, stating that he is not comfortable supporting any state with a hierarchy of citizenship based on religion. The likelihood of Netanyahu's arrest is seen as low, given the federal government's control over immigration and the US's strong backing of Israel. The Trump administration has denied entry to several Palestinian leaders, including Mahmud Abbas, and has placed sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors.
