Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations in New York on Thursday, September 24, despite public calls from Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the Israeli prime minister to face arrest over an International Criminal Court warrant.
Netanyahu was not arrested during his visit, and he returned to Israel after delivering his speech at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The appearance brought renewed attention to the Netanyahu arrest issue, which involves the ICC’s November 21, 2024 warrant and a separate dispute over whether New York authorities could legally detain him.
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Netanyahu Arrest: Netanyahu speaks as delegations leave the chamber
Netanyahu used his UN address to defend Israel’s military actions and criticize opponents, including Mamdani and governments that have condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Several delegations left the General Assembly chamber as Netanyahu began speaking, turning his appearance into a highly visible diplomatic protest.
Netanyahu responded by condemning those who walked out and continued with an address focused on Israel’s security, Iran and the country’s wartime decisions.
His visit had been closely watched because Mamdani had repeatedly said that the ICC warrant should be respected if Netanyahu travelled to New York.
What the ICC warrant says
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on November 21, 2024, alongside a warrant for Yoav Gallant, Israel’s former defence minister.
The court said there were reasonable grounds to believe that the two men bore criminal responsibility for alleged crimes including starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.
The ICC also cited an alleged war crime involving the intentional direction of an attack against a civilian population.
The warrant is not a criminal conviction, and Netanyahu has rejected the allegations and the court’s jurisdiction.
The court’s proceedings remain contested by Israel, which has argued that the ICC lacks authority over the case and has challenged the legal basis for the warrant.
Why New York did not arrest Netanyahu
Mamdani’s administration reviewed whether New York City could act on the ICC warrant during Netanyahu’s UN visit.
In public comments, the mayor said the city would follow applicable local law and later acknowledged that the authority to execute the warrant rested with the federal government rather than City Hall.
That distinction was decisive during Netanyahu’s visit.
The presence of an ICC warrant did not by itself give the New York Police Department authority to arrest a visiting foreign leader on behalf of the international court.
The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, adding another layer to the legal and diplomatic dispute.
Netanyahu’s attendance also took place under the arrangements governing the UN headquarters, where visiting leaders attend official meetings and diplomatic events.
What happens next
The warrant remains an international travel risk for Netanyahu because countries that are parties to the Rome Statute may face legal obligations if he enters their territory.
Enforcement, however, depends on national authorities and the circumstances of each visit.
The ICC does not have its own police force capable of carrying out arrests without state cooperation.
The issue became prominent in April 2025, when the court asked Hungary to provide submissions after Netanyahu visited that country despite the warrant.
That episode showed the gap between the court’s legal orders and their practical enforcement against senior officials who travel with state protection.
For now, Netanyahu’s September 24 appearance in New York has ended without an arrest, but the warrant continues to shape his travel plans and diplomatic engagements.
The legal proceedings, Israel’s jurisdictional challenges and questions about enforcement are expected to remain active as the ICC’s case develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Benjamin Netanyahu arrested in New York?
No. Netanyahu addressed the United Nations on September 24, 2026, and was not arrested during his visit.
Why does Benjamin Netanyahu face an ICC arrest warrant?
The ICC says there are reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu bears criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to the Gaza conflict.
Can the New York mayor arrest Netanyahu?
No. New York City officials said the authority to enforce the ICC warrant rests with the federal government, not the mayor or the NYPD.
Is an ICC arrest warrant the same as a conviction?
No. An arrest warrant authorizes a person’s detention for court proceedings; it does not establish guilt or replace a trial.
What happens if Netanyahu visits an ICC member country?
The country may face legal obligations to arrest and surrender him under the Rome Statute, although enforcement depends on that country’s authorities and legal position.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, the ICC warrant, the New York mayor’s stated legal position and Netanyahu’s UN appearance were checked against official ICC, New York City and United Nations information.
Disclaimer: This article describes ongoing international legal proceedings and allegations; Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing and the allegations have not been proven at trial.