Story perspectives

Nearly Half of Americans Favor Arresting Netanyahu Visiting US

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

A July 25-27 Economist/YouGov poll found 49 percent of Americans support arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the United States.
The poll showed 27 percent oppose and 47 percent say he is guilty of Gaza war crimes.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) said his office lacks authority and urged the government to enforce the ICC warrant, which analysts note the U.S. will not act on.

History

Historical Context

In October 1998, Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón secured an Interpol warrant that led UK authorities to arrest Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in London, and the House of Lords rejected his claim of head-of-state immunity. He was released on health grounds in March 2000 after 18 months of house arrest, a universal-jurisdiction landmark that shapes debates such as the U.S. poll on arresting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calls for ICC enforcement.

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Story summary

A July 25-27 Economist/YouGov poll found 49 percent of Americans support arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the United States.
The poll showed 27 percent oppose and 47 percent say he is guilty of Gaza war crimes.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) said his office lacks authority and urged the government to enforce the ICC warrant, which analysts note the U.S. will not act on.

1 / 2