Netanyahu Blasts NYC Mayor Mamdani Over Allegations of Inciting Fear

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of promoting hostility and fear among Jewish Americans in New York City. Mamdani had referred to Netanyahu as a ‘war criminal’ and made threats about arresting him.

A New York State assemblyman has called for the U.S. Department of Justice to begin a civil rights investigation into Mayor Mamdani after two stabbing incidents in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, which are being investigated as hate crimes.

Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, representing District 45 in Brooklyn, made this demand at an End Jew Hatred rally. He likened the situation to the federal investigation into alleged antisemitism at Columbia University, saying, “If the DOJ stepped in to protect Jewish students at Columbia, it must now step in to protect Jewish New Yorkers.”

The suspect, Raul Morales, 51, is accused of yelling “Allahu Akbar” as he stabbed two men, Chok Sung and Moshe Grunhaus, on Thursday. The stabbings occurred in the Upper West Side, a neighborhood known for its significant Jewish population, on Tisha B’Av, a Jewish day of mourning.

Mamdani’s comments regarding Netanyahu have drawn criticism from Jewish leaders, who view his accusations as inflaming tensions. Mamdani contended that while City Hall cannot arrest Netanyahu, the prime minister should face charges through the International Criminal Court, despite the court’s lack of jurisdiction in the U.S.

Attorney General Letitia James reported that the victims are in stable condition. Pro-Israel demonstrators gathered to oppose Mamdani, highlighting concerns over his remarks about Netanyahu.

Novakhov emphasized, “Jewish New Yorkers should not have to hide their Stars of David, tuck away their kippahs, or fear walking their own streets.” His call to action included a letter to the DOJ urging an investigation into Mamdani’s alleged hostility towards the Jewish population.