Trump: Netanyahu Will Not Be Arrested in US – Here's Why 2026

Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested if he visits the United States, according to former President Donald Trump. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump firmly stated that the Israeli prime minister, who faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, will not be detained in the U.S. This declaration comes as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani explores the possibility of arresting Netanyahu during his potential visit to the UN General Assembly in September 2025.

Trump's Bold Statement on Netanyahu's Immunity

Trump wrote that Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form while in the United States of America.” He framed the Israeli leader as “fighting against the Islamic Republic of Iran” and argued that “the only ones that should be arrested are the people that led Iran into this unprecedented spiral of death and destruction.” This position aligns with the U.S. government’s long-standing refusal to recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, as the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the court.

Mayor Mamdani's Conflicting Stance

In contrast, Mayor Zohran Mamdani told the New York Times that he believes Netanyahu belongs in The Hague, where the ICC is based. Mamdani, who has described Israel’s war on Gaza as a genocide, is in “active conversation” with New York City’s law department about his legal authority to direct the NYPD to detain Netanyahu. He stated, “Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do.” During his mayoral campaign last September, Mamdani pledged to arrest Netanyahu if he travels to New York, emphasizing a commitment to international law.

ICC Arrest Warrant: Key Facts

Legal and Political Implications

The standoff highlights the tension between U.S. sovereignty and international legal obligations. While the ICC has no direct enforcement mechanism within the U.S., Mayor Mamdani’s actions could set a precedent for local enforcement of international warrants. However, legal experts note that U.S. federal law generally preempts state and local officials from executing ICC requests. Trump’s intervention adds another layer, as his statement carries significant political weight among his supporters and within the Republican party.

What This Means for International Relations

This controversy could strain U.S.-Israel relations if local officials attempt to arrest Netanyahu. Meanwhile, other Israeli leaders, including former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, also face ICC warrants. The situation underscores the growing divide between global justice mechanisms and national interests.

• Trump’s statement reinforces U.S. non-recognition of the ICC.
• Mayor Mamdani’s push tests local authority on international law.
• Netanyahu’s visit to the UN remains uncertain amid legal threats.
• The outcome may influence future ICC enforcement actions.

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