Between New York's Bluffs and the Reality of the Rule of Law

An opinion piece by Prof. Muhammad Watad and Dr. Tal Mimran discussing the legal impossibility of arresting an Israeli prime minister in New York, analyzing international immunity laws and constitutional limitations in the US.

An opinion piece by Prof. Muhammad Watad and Dr. Tal Mimran discusses populist statements by New York Mayor Eric Adams regarding the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his landing in the city. The authors analyze the international legal and US constitutional framework, explaining why such an idea is unfeasible. They emphasize that head-of-state immunity is a fundamental principle in international law, enabling diplomacy and global stability. They further note that the US Constitution grants foreign relations authority solely to the federal government, and a mayor cannot exceed his jurisdiction. The article also addresses US non-recognition of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and federal law prohibiting cooperation with its orders. The authors identify the statements as political theater exploiting public misunderstanding.

Between New York's Bluffs and the Reality of the Rule of Law