Mamdani: Netanyahu a 'war criminal', urges US to enforce ICC warrant

New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has publicly labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” and called on the United States government to enforce the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against him should he enter the country. In a video posted to social media platform X, Mamdani accused Netanyahu of orchestrating mass civilian deaths in Gaza and deliberately blocking humanitarian aid.

A Scathing Indictment

In his video message, Mamdani did not mince words. “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people,” he said. He cited the death toll in Gaza, which he placed at over 73,000, and listed what he called deliberate violations of international law, including the targeting of hospitals, denial of medical care, and obstruction of food and humanitarian supplies. Mamdani also claimed that the assault on Palestinians has continued months after a ceasefire agreement took effect. He drew a direct line from US taxpayer funding to the violence, stating, “All as we, as Americans, pay for the bombs that do the killing.”

The ICC Arrest Warrant

Mamdani’s remarks come in the context of the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024. The ICC prosecutor had sought warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity for their conduct in the Gaza war. The court also issued warrants for Hamas leaders. The United States, which is not a signatory to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, has historically opposed the court’s jurisdiction over its allies. Mamdani, however, argued that the warrant carries legal and moral weight. “There is a reason the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest,” he said. “Anyone with their eyes, with their heart, with their conscience, should recognize the devastation he has wrought and understand that he belongs before a court of law.”

Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

The backdrop to Mamdani’s statement is the ongoing war in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Israel’s military response has caused massive destruction and displacement. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 73,000 people have been killed, though the figure cannot be independently verified. International aid organizations have repeatedly accused Israel of restricting the flow of essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine, into the enclave. A temporary ceasefire earlier this year allowed for some aid delivery, but Mamdani contends that the suffering has not ended. His invocation of “genocide” aligns with the accusation made by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, though a final ruling has not been issued.

Implications for US Policy

Mamdani’s call to enforce the ICC warrant places him at odds with the official US position, which has consistently rejected the court’s authority over non-member states, including Israel. However, his statement reflects growing frustration among some American politicians and activists with US military support for Israel. If Netanyahu were to travel to the United States, he could potentially face legal action if US authorities chose to cooperate with the ICC, though this is considered highly unlikely given current policy. Mamdani’s remarks may embolden other officials to take a similar stance, but they also risk deepening the partisan divide over the Gaza conflict. As the war continues and the humanitarian crisis worsens, the question of accountability for war crimes on both sides remains unresolved, with the ICC warrant serving as a symbolic but politically charged instrument.

Looking ahead, Mamdani’s statement underscores a broader debate about the role of international law in conflicts involving major powers. While the US has not changed its position, the ICC’s actions and domestic political pressure may gradually shift the conversation. For now, Netanyahu remains free to travel to allied nations that do not recognize the ICC warrant, but each public denunciation adds to the diplomatic and legal scrutiny surrounding his leadership.