Israeli PM Netanyahu Criticizes NYC Mayoral Frontrunner Mamdani's Policies

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist frontrunner in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, has sparked controversy for using "Zionist" as a punchline in a joke, which critics, including Jewish community leaders, have labeled as antisemitic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized Mamdani's policy proposals, calling them "nonsense" and predicting Mamdani would likely serve only one term if elected. Netanyahu condemned Mamdani's alleged support for defunding the police, a claim Mamdani has denied, emphasizing his stance on working with police and addressing serious crimes alongside social issues like mental health and homelessness. Netanyahu also criticized Mamdani's plans to raise taxes on the city's wealthiest residents and portrayed Mamdani's campaign as a temporary folly, expressing confidence that young Americans would eventually reject such policies. Mamdani has faced backlash for his comments branding Israel's military actions in Gaza as "genocide" and for proposing the arrest of Netanyahu if he visits New York, citing an ICC warrant. The debate around Mamdani's candidacy highlights deep divisions over issues of antisemitism, policing, and policy direction in New York City.