Israeli President Herzog Criticizes NYC Mayor Mamdani and Discusses U.S.-Israel Relations

Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for what he described as hateful and antisemitic rhetoric that endangers New Yorkers. In an interview, Herzog stated that Mamdani does not respect Israel's right to self-determination and accused him of spreading dangerous ideas. This criticism follows Mamdani's social media post in which he labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a 'war criminal'. Herzog expressed concern for the safety of New Yorkers and emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, highlighting President Trump's support for Israel, including the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Herzog also discussed Iran's threat to global stability and the need for bipartisan support for Israel. He addressed the decline in American support for Israel among younger generations, attributing it to misinformation on social media. Herzog reiterated Israel's commitment to peace and innovation while condemning anti-Christian behavior in the region. He also commented on the recent dismissal of the ICC Chief Prosecutor, suggesting it was a distraction from his own misconduct allegations. Herzog concluded by expressing hope for a better future for Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.