Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in two separate interviews, asserting that Mamdani’s public statements about Israel undermine efforts for Middle East peace and risk inciting antisemitism.
Herzog’s statements followed Mamdani’s July 21 social media post in which he described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and accused him of overseeing a “horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.” Herzog, speaking to Fox News Digital on July 27, stated that Mamdani’s rhetoric does not respect Israel’s right to self-determination and spreads “hate” and “antisemitic” language. He emphasized that such statements endanger Jewish communities, particularly in New York City, which has the largest Jewish population in the United States.
Herzog also addressed broader geopolitical concerns, including Iran’s regional influence. In the same interviews, he characterized Iran’s government as a strategic threat to global stability, alleging that Tehran prioritizes funding militant groups over addressing domestic needs. Herzog’s remarks came amid reports of a joint U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran in late February, codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the Trump administration and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel, which concluded with a ceasefire announced by the U.S. on April 7.
Herzog’s criticism of Mamdani extended beyond policy disagreements, framing the mayor’s remarks as personally harmful to Jewish communities. “This cannot be accepted in New York, which is a city which is dear to our heart, dear to the Israelis, and dear to me personally,” Herzog said. He expressed hope that Mamdani’s statements would not cause “irreversible damage” to U.S.-Israel relations or community safety.
Mamdani has not publicly responded to Herzog’s remarks, and his office has not provided additional statements regarding the allegations. The controversy reflects ongoing debates in the U.S. and internationally about the boundaries of criticism toward Israel and its leadership, particularly in relation to Palestinian rights and statehood.