Ilhan Omar Calls for Arrest of Netanyahu

US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has made a bold statement, urging countries to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the United States in September. She believes authorities should take him into custody when he arrives in New York for the UN General Assembly.

In an interview with our outlet, Omar backed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who earlier suggested the federal government should arrest Netanyahu. The congresswoman stressed that opposing a 'war criminal' should not be controversial.

Ilhan Omar reminded that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli PM, and now someone must execute this decision. However, she did not call on US authorities to make the arrest, as the US is not a party to the ICC, but suggested the French side could do it.

The politician also criticized the selective attitude towards international tribunals: in her words, some politicians laugh at such bodies when their allies are involved, but are ready to use them as a weapon against unfriendly nations.

When asked what it would take to arrest Netanyahu, Omar said it goes beyond politics and touches on fundamental principles of justice. She called on the international community to take ICC decisions seriously.

Earlier, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over allegations of war crimes, but Israel does not recognize the court's jurisdiction. The PM's visit to the US is expected in September for the UN General Assembly session.