Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli “special forces” would be ready if anyone tried to arrest him under an International Criminal Court warrant, while confirming he will travel to New York in September despite renewed calls for his detention.Speaking in an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity following his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Netanyahu was asked whether he worried about the possibility of making an emergency landing in a country that recognises the ICC and could potentially enforce the court’s arrest warrant.“I think about it,” Netanyahu said, adding, “We have special forces around. I served for five years.”When Hannity remarked that Israel’s military was “pretty tough”, Netanyahu replied, “Yeah. Let’s give them a new task.”Netanyahu:When we combine our forces and our brave soldiers, nothing can stand in our way.Source: Fox News pic.twitter.com/ku1Eb4oWN8— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 29, 2026 Netanyahu dismisses arrest calls, says New York trip will go aheadNetanyahu also dismissed calls by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his arrest, saying he had no intention of cancelling his planned visit to New York for the UN General Assembly.Must Read | When Netanyahu confronted JD Vance over his criticism of Israeli government“I’m going to New York,” Netanyahu said, adding that he would “speak the truth” in front of what he described as a “hate-spewing elected official.”He also accused Mamdani of fuelling hostility towards the Jewish community in New York, saying, “What are we in the 1930s? So much hate, so many lies.”Story continues below this ad Benjamin Netanyahu also dismissed calls by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (in photo) for his arrest, saying he had no intention of cancelling his planned visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. (Photo: X/@NYCMayor)Mamdani has repeatedly criticised Netanyahu over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, calling him a “war criminal” and accusing him of carrying out a genocide against Palestinians. While acknowledging that New York City authorities do not have the legal power to arrest the Israeli leader, Mamdani has urged the US federal government to enforce the ICC warrant.Why the ICC warrant matters nowThe issue has regained attention because Netanyahu plans to attend the UN General Assembly in New York in September, prompting renewed debate over whether he could face arrest despite the US not recognising ICC jurisdiction.Netanyahu rejects ICC warrant as ‘fake’The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 against Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The court has accused Netanyahu of using starvation as a method of warfare, intentionally directing attacks against civilians, and committing crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution and other inhumane acts during the conflict.Israel rejects the allegations, does not recognise the ICC’s jurisdiction, and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.Story continues below this adIn the Fox News interview, Netanyahu described the ICC as a “corrupt” and “evil” organisation and dismissed the warrant against him as “fake”. He also argued that the court had unfairly targeted Israel while failing to hold groups such as Hezbollah accountable, warning that the ICC could eventually pursue cases against US political leaders and military personnel.Trump reiterates support US President Donald Trump, however, has ruled out the possibility of Netanyahu being arrested while in the United States. (Photo: Truth Social/Donald J Trump)The issue has gained renewed attention after Mamdani publicly argued that Netanyahu should face trial in The Hague because of the ICC charges.US President Donald Trump, however, has ruled out the possibility of Netanyahu being arrested while in the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the Israeli leader “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form” during his visit to the US.