Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled his intention to travel to New York City in the near future. This development comes weeks after a city councilwoman publicly extended an invitation to him, setting the stage for a political confrontation with the incoming mayor.
An Invitation and a Political Challenge
Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a conservative voice, formally invited Netanyahu to visit on January 1. This date coincides with the inauguration day of mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Vernikov's move was a direct response to Mamdani's campaign promise, where he vowed to have the NYPD arrest the Israeli leader if he ever came to the city.
While Netanyahu confirmed he cannot attend on January 1, he assured Vernikov of a future visit. "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," Netanyahu wrote in a letter on official stationery, as reported by The New York Post.
Vernikov stated her invitation aimed to strengthen the ties between New York and Israel. She later expressed eagerness to see the mayor-elect's reaction upon Netanyahu's eventual arrival.
Legal Authority and Heated Exchanges
Dismissing Mamdani's arrest pledge, Councilwoman Vernikov questioned its legal basis. "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 for political gain or being incompetent. Vernikov escalated her criticism, labelling the mayor-elect "a scam" and predicting his voters would realise they were deceived.
Context: ICC Warrant and Rising Tensions
Mamdani's threat stems from a 2024 arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The court cited "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant bore responsibility for war crimes related to civilian attacks in Gaza. It is crucial to note that the United States does not recognise the ICC's jurisdiction.
Vernikov's comments also touch upon growing concerns over antisemitism. She highlighted a recent spate of hate crimes in New York City, suggesting the local Jewish community would warmly welcome Netanyahu's visit as a show of solidarity.
This episode sets up a significant diplomatic and political tension for New York City's new administration, pitting local political rhetoric against international diplomacy and legal complexities.
