Israel’s leader stands firm as anti-Israel politics collide with law, sovereignty, and American constitutional reality.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed he will visit New York City “soon,” brushing aside threats by mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to have him arrested upon arrival.
The announcement followed a public invitation from Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, who invited Netanyahu to visit the city on January 1, 2026—the day Mamdani is set to assume office. Netanyahu thanked Vernikov for the “very kind” invitation, noting that while he could not attend on that specific date, a New York visit is firmly on his calendar.
Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel’s war against Hamas, has repeatedly accused Israel of war crimes and claimed he would enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu. In prior remarks, Mamdani equated Netanyahu with Vladimir Putin, asserting that New York should “uphold” ICC warrants regardless of jurisdiction.
Legal reality, however, contradicts the rhetoric. U.S. officials—along with New York Governor Kathy Hochul—have warned that a New York City mayor has no authority to arrest a foreign head of government, and any attempt to do so would violate U.S. federal law and diplomatic protections.
Netanyahu has openly dismissed the threats. Speaking to the New York Times, he affirmed his intention to visit the city. In an interview with Australian journalist Einat Molan, he added he is “not afraid,” underscoring Israel’s refusal to be intimidated by politicized legal campaigns.
The episode highlights a widening divide: elected officials weaponizing international forums to target Israel, versus constitutional systems that uphold sovereignty, due process, and alliances. For Israel and its supporters, Netanyahu’s stance signals resolve—lawfare and political theater will not deter legitimate leadership or the U.S.–Israel relationship.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed he will visit New York City “soon,” brushing aside threats by mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to have him arrested upon arrival.
The announcement followed a public invitation from Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, who invited Netanyahu to visit the city on January 1, 2026—the day Mamdani is set to assume office. Netanyahu thanked Vernikov for the “very kind” invitation, noting that while he could not attend on that specific date, a New York visit is firmly on his calendar.
Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel’s war against Hamas, has repeatedly accused Israel of war crimes and claimed he would enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu. In prior remarks, Mamdani equated Netanyahu with Vladimir Putin, asserting that New York should “uphold” ICC warrants regardless of jurisdiction.
Legal reality, however, contradicts the rhetoric. U.S. officials—along with New York Governor Kathy Hochul—have warned that a New York City mayor has no authority to arrest a foreign head of government, and any attempt to do so would violate U.S. federal law and diplomatic protections.
Netanyahu has openly dismissed the threats. Speaking to the New York Times, he affirmed his intention to visit the city. In an interview with Australian journalist Einat Molan, he added he is “not afraid,” underscoring Israel’s refusal to be intimidated by politicized legal campaigns.
The episode highlights a widening divide: elected officials weaponizing international forums to target Israel, versus constitutional systems that uphold sovereignty, due process, and alliances. For Israel and its supporters, Netanyahu’s stance signals resolve—lawfare and political theater will not deter legitimate leadership or the U.S.–Israel relationship.
