WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna urged President Donald Trump to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin if either leader enters the United States.
Khanna cited arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court, saying the United States should not excuse alleged attacks on civilians based on a leader’s nationality or political alliances. The ICC issued Netanyahu’s warrant in 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel denies the allegations.
His remarks echoed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently acknowledged that city officials lack the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu. Mamdani instead called on the federal government to enforce the warrant and urged the United States to join the ICC.
Legal experts say major barriers remain. Neither the United States nor Israel belongs to the ICC, and federal law restricts American cooperation with the court. Visiting leaders attending United Nations proceedings may also receive diplomatic protections.
The ICC’s removal of chief prosecutor Karim Khan over misconduct allegations does not invalidate Netanyahu’s warrant. Deputy prosecutors will continue managing pending cases and warrants.
Trump has rejected the ICC’s authority and said Netanyahu would not be arrested during a U.S. visit.
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