Mamdani says he cannot arrest Netanyahu in New York but US government can

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has conceded he cannot order the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu when he sets foot in his city after days of fevered debate about the issue.

"My administration has reviewed every avenue available under applicable law to determine whether New York City could execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant if Benjamin Netanyahu came here," Mr Mamdani said. "It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant."

"The federal government, however, does, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant."

Professor Whiting, a former ICC prosecutor, also pointed to the special status given to the United Nations under US law which means diplomats and leaders are protected from arrest when they are attending sessions at its headquarters.