Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Netanyahu Declares Special Forces Ready Amid ICC Arrest Warrant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024.
Netanyahu said Israel’s special forces would be ready if he were arrested abroad.
He also said he will still travel to New York in September, even though the mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, called him a war criminal.
Mamdani urged the U.S. federal government to act on the warrant, but the mayor has no legal power to enforce it.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not be arrested in the United States.
Netanyahu said Israel’s special forces would respond if he is detained abroad under an ICC arrest warrant.
The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 against Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes linked to Israel’s Gaza campaign.
Netanyahu confirmed he will travel to New York in September despite calls for his detention, stating he is not afraid to visit ICC‑member countries.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and urged the U.S. federal government to act on the warrant, but the mayor has no legal authority to enforce it.
U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the possibility of Netanyahu’s arrest in the United States, saying he would not be detained.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- What
- Declared that Israel’s special forces would respond if he is detained under an ICC arrest warrant
- When
- ICC warrants issued November 2024; Netanyahu plans to travel in September 2024
- Where
- United States, specifically New York
- Why
- To address the ICC arrest warrant and affirm his willingness to visit ICC‑member countries
- Prime Minister
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- ICC Arrest Warrant
- Issued November 2024
- Targeted Individuals
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant
- Country of Travel
- United States (New York)
- Response
- Special forces ready to respond
