Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled his intention to visit New York City in the near future, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with the city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who once vowed to arrest him. The political drama unfolded after a public invitation from a Republican councilwoman, challenging Mamdani's controversial campaign pledge.
The Invitation and the Defiant Response
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a conservative critic of the mayor-elect, extended an invitation to Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit New York on January 1, coinciding with Mamdani's inauguration day. Her stated aim was to "reaffirm the deep and enduring bond" between the city and Israel. While Netanyahu declined the specific date, his response, as reported by the New York Post, was clear and forthcoming.
"Even though I won’t be able to make it on that day, I assure you that I will visit New York soon. And I’d very much like to see you at that time," the Israeli leader stated, accepting the "kind invitation" in principle. This assurance directly challenges the stance of Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat and Muslim immigrant, who famously promised during his campaign to use the New York City Police Department to detain Netanyahu if he ever entered the city.
Legal Authority and Political Accusations
Mamdani's pledge was based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in 2024 against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC cited "reasonable grounds" to believe they bear responsibility for war crimes related to attacks on civilians in Gaza. However, the United States does not recognise this warrant.
Vernikov, a Ukrainian-born lawyer and Jewish advocate, was quick to highlight the legal improbability of Mamdani's threat. "The mayor of New York City has no legal authority to arrest the sitting Prime Minister of the State of Israel," she asserted. She accused Mamdani of either knowingly lying to gain votes and attention or being incompetent for not verifying the legal facts.
"Mamdani is a scam, and soon the spoiled kids who voted for him will see him for the fraud he is," Vernikov told the news portal, expressing curiosity about the mayor-elect's reaction when Netanyahu eventually arrives.
Broader Political Repercussions and Stances
The incident has ignited a wider political firestorm. Pro-Israel Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led a bill in September aimed at blocking what she called the "antisemite communist's" plan to arrest Netanyahu. Stefanik also criticised New York Governor Kathy Hochul for not condemning Mamdani's pledge, accusing her of bending "the knee to the anti-American antisemites."
Amid reports of rising antisemitic incidents, Vernikov framed Netanyahu's potential visit as a show of solidarity. "I look forward to seeing Benjamin Netanyahu in New York City and the Jewish community will be delighted to welcome him amidst skyrocketing antisemitism here at home and across the world," she said.
For his part, Netanyahu has shown no fear of travelling. In a recent interview, he stated he is "not afraid" of coming to New York. This sets up a high-stakes political and diplomatic clash that will test the limits of municipal authority, international law, and the heated discourse surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict on American soil. The world now watches for Mamdani's next move when the Israeli Prime Minister lands in his city.
