Netanyahu Criticizes Mamdani for Creating ‘Hate and Fear’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of ‘fomenting hate’ and creating a climate of fear among Jewish Americans. This follows Mamdani’s statements calling Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’ and threatening his arrest.

In response, New York State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov has urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Mayor Mamdani. Novakhov’s call came after two stabbings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side were being investigated as potential hate crimes. Novakhov represents Brooklyn’s District 45 and made the announcement during an End Jew Hatred rally in New York City.

Novakhov emphasized the need for DOJ intervention by referencing a federal probe into alleged antisemitism at Columbia University. He stated, “If the DOJ stepped in to protect Jewish students at Columbia, it must now step in to protect Jewish New Yorkers,” noting his formal letter to the DOJ seeking an investigation into the actions of Mamdani against New York’s Jewish communities.

Following the rally, efforts to reach Mayor Mamdani’s office for comments have been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, pro-Israeli protesters demonstrated against Mamdani in New York City, expressing their concerns over his remarks and actions.

Jewish New Yorkers should not have to hide their Stars of David, tuck away their kippahs, or fear walking their own streets,” Novakhov wrote. “The Jewish community deserves answers. No one is above the law.

The two victims of Thursday’s stabbing attacks were identified as Chok Sung, 57, and Moshe Grunhaus, 50. New York Attorney General Letitia James reported that both are in stable condition. The accused, Raul Morales, 51, allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attacks, according to officials.

The attacks occurred in a neighborhood with a significant Jewish population on Tisha B’Av, a day when Jews mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

Jewish leaders have voiced concerns over Mamdani’s comments on Netanyahu, labeling him “the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people”. Mamdani insisted that Netanyahu should be accountable under the International Criminal Court’s warrant. However, the ICC has no jurisdiction in the U.S. since it is not a member of the international body.