Trump says Netanyahu won't face arrest in US, rebuts Mamdani's threat

Trump's blunt response to arrest threat

US President Donald Trump has pushed back strongly against a threat by New York Mayor to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Trump said Netanyahu will not be arrested in the United States in any way.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump dismissed the mayor's warning as baseless. He made it clear that the federal government would not allow such an arrest to take place on American soil.

The mayor's position remains unclear

New York Mayor, who had earlier threatened to arrest Netanyahu during his expected visit for a United Nations meeting, has not backed down. Reports suggest the mayor said he is still mulling the arrest option.

The mayor's office has not issued a formal statement since Trump's remarks. The threat had initially sparked a diplomatic row, with Israel expressing concern over the safety of its leader.

Legal and diplomatic implications

The International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu last year for alleged war crimes in Gaza. However, the United States is not a signatory to the ICC, and Trump's administration has previously rejected the court's jurisdiction.

Legal experts say the mayor's threat lacks legal standing under US law. Federal authorities have jurisdiction over foreign leaders visiting the country, and state or city officials cannot override that.

Political reactions

The incident has drawn sharp reactions from both sides. Supporters of Netanyahu have praised Trump's intervention, while critics accuse the US president of shielding an indicted leader. The mayor, a progressive Democrat, has faced pressure from activist groups to follow through on the threat.

Netanyahu's office has not commented on the matter. The Israeli government is reportedly in touch with US officials to ensure the prime minister's security during the visit.

What happens next

Netanyahu's visit to New York for the UN General Assembly is expected to proceed as planned. The mayor's final decision on the arrest remains awaited. The episode has added a layer of tension to US-Israel relations and the broader debate over international justice.

Observers will watch closely to see if the mayor backs down or escalates the standoff. For now, Trump's statement has set the federal position firmly against any arrest.