Netanyahu criticizes Mayor Mamdani for alleged Hamas support before UN Assembly

Netanyahu blasted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday, saying the mayor was “supporting the terror group Hamas.” The Israeli prime minister posted a short video on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and added “Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani.” The comment came a day before the U.S. capital’s United Nations General Assembly, where Israel will present its case on the Gaza war.

The exchange is part of a broader diplomatic flare that has risen in the weeks before the UN session. Israel’s war in Gaza has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. officials and international bodies. New York City, a major U.S. political hub, has seen its mayor take a public stance on the conflict, calling for a cease‑fire and condemning Israel’s military operations. Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that U.S. cities and politicians who criticize Israel’s actions could be seen as undermining the U.S.–Israel alliance. The mayor’s comments were seen by Israel as a direct challenge to its war policy, prompting Netanyahu’s public rebuke.

The video was brief, but it was widely shared on social media. In it, Netanyahu said, “Shame on you for supporting Hamas.” He did not provide specific evidence of Mamdani’s alleged support, but the accusation echoes earlier claims that U.S. politicians are giving “political cover” to the group. The mayor’s office has not yet issued a response. Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, with a scheduled vote on a resolution calling for a cease‑fire in Gaza. Israel has pledged to defend its security interests, while U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern over the humanitarian toll of the conflict.

If the UN vote passes, it could strain U.S.–Israel relations further and embolden critics of Israel’s war strategy. Netanyahu’s statement may prompt a diplomatic pushback from the Israeli government, potentially including a formal protest to the U.S. State Department. The mayor’s reaction, whether a rebuttal or a call for dialogue, will likely become a focal point for media coverage in the coming days. The incident underscores how local U.S. politics and international diplomacy are becoming increasingly intertwined amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.