'ARREST NETANYAHU': Mamdani Calls Bibi 'War Criminal,' Says NYC Lacks Arrest Authority

[00:00:00]In the video, I made very clear, as I have before, that my interest in executing that warrant is not specific to Benjamin Netanyahu, but to anyone who they put a warrant towards for war crimes and crimes against humanity. And part of that is a reflection of a universal politics. And it is from a universal politics that I can look at October 7th and describe it for what it is, which is a horrific war crime. And I can also look at Benjamin Netanyahu and see the way that he has orchestrated this genocide and also deem him to similarly be a war criminal. And I think especially at a time when there are those in Washington who are discussing measures to take apart the International Criminal Court, what so many are looking for is a sense that there is in fact a rule of law across the world where there are crimes that are so grave that they offend all of humanity. And I believe that we should hold those who perpetrate them accountable, no matter who they are.

[00:01:01]I've been very clear about the fact that I believe that the warrant that the International Criminal Court has placed upon Benjamin Netanyahu is one that should be honored. And I've also been clear about the fact that I would follow and respect our local laws.

[00:01:18]And so I asked my team to do a review of all applicable law, and it's clear that the city does not have the authority to execute this warrant. However, what is also clear is that the federal government does have the authority to execute this warrant. And I call on the federal government to join the International Criminal Court and to execute both this warrant as well as any warrant of the International Criminal Court holds.

[00:01:39]>> Thank you. Out of respect for >> decision. Uh, and when it comes to Palestinian New Yorkers who are disappointed, I understand it because we are talking about someone who has been charged with crimes against humanity.

[00:01:50]Someone who has visited this city on many an occasion and who has been welcomed by previous mayors. And I want to make it very clear that that welcome ends with me. I will not be welcoming Benjamin Netanyahu or any other war criminals when they come to this city. And I do believe that our federal government should join the International Criminal Court and ensure that there is accountability when it comes to crimes against humanity.

[00:02:11]>> Thank you, Mr. Ari Kagan.

[00:02:14]>> I consider October 7th to be a horrific war crime.

[00:02:17]I I've considered it to be something that should be deeply opposed with every single fiber of our being.

[00:02:25]And what I would also say is what brings me to my conclusions about Israel and Palestine, about the world beyond, is a belief in the universality of humanity.

[00:02:39]And what universality means is that we cannot pick and choose which crimes against humanity we oppose.

[00:02:46]We must be in opposition to all of them.

[00:02:48]And I think I would say that the International Criminal Court is a body that seeks to hold those across the world accountable for crimes against humanity, for war crimes, for things of that nature. And I think that the United States should not only be a party to that court, but should also execute the warrants that that court issues. And what I have spoken up about Nicolas Maduro, who I've also described appropriately as a dictator, is that the violation of international law is one that has to also be taken very seriously. It stems from the same belief in the International Criminal Court. And now he is here in in New York City on that day when the United States did violate international law. I made clear that I was in opposition to that. And it all stems from the same belief in how can there be a sanctity in something beyond an understanding of the world where might is right and justice is simply decided by those who are the strongest.

[00:04:03]>> Mhm.