5 things to know about Zohran Mamdani's policy agenda for NYC
3. Outspoken critic of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Although the city of more than 8 million people that Mamdani hopes to lead has a large Jewish population, he hasn't demurred from sharing his deeply held beliefs about a topic that many of them care deeply about: Israel.
In a statement issued following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel, Mamdani condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “declaration of war” and “the Israeli government’s decision to cut electricity to Gaza” as actions that will lead to “more violence and suffering in the days and weeks to come.”
“The path toward a just and lasting peace can only begin by ending the occupation and dismantling apartheid,” Mamdani wrote. The mayoral candidate’s remarks reflect his belief that Israel is illegally occupying Palestinian territory.
In an X post last October, Mamdani proclaimed, “Israel is committing a genocide” against Palestinians. In a May 2024 interview, Mamdani insisted that he would not welcome Netanyahu to the city if he is elected mayor.
“No, as mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu,” he said. “Our values are in line with international law, it’s time that our actions are also."
Mamdani’s pledge to arrest Netanyahu if he goes to New York City and his justification for doing so reflect the fact that the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for the Israeli leader’s arrest, alleging that he committed “crimes against humanity and war crimes” between Oct. 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
