Hochul to Mamdani: Focus on New York, not Israel

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to devote greater attention to governing the city and less to Israel, according to an interview with The New York Times. The governor's comments follow a viral video in which Mamdani claimed he could arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a statement Hochul previously dismissed as outside the mayor's authority. Mamdani has faced persistent criticism for his anti-Israel rhetoric, including his refusal to reject the slogan 'globalize the intifada' during his campaign and his decision to boycott the city's annual Israel Day Parade. Upon taking office, he also rescinded executive orders concerning Israel issued by his predecessor, Eric Adams. Addressing concerns about the impact of this rhetoric on Jewish New Yorkers, Hochul suggested the mayor should focus on the 'blocking and tackling of city government,' specifically citing housing and child care as shared priorities. The governor reiterated her firm opposition to antisemitism, stating she would 'throw my body against any antisemitism.'