Hochul Urges 34-Year-Old Mamdani to Focus on NYC, Not Israel
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20
Hochul Urges 34-Year-Old Mamdani to Focus on NYC, Not Israel
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20
Summary
Kathy Hochul publicly told Mayor Zohran Mamdani to concentrate on New York City’s “blocking and tackling” rather than Israel, offering rare direct guidance on their differences.
The advice followed Mamdani’s call last month for the federal government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, remarks that drew international attention and condemnation.
Hochul, a strong supporter of Israel, said she shared Mamdani’s priorities on child care, bus speeds and housing even as she avoided a broader clash over his rhetoric.
The comments come as New York faces rising antisemitic attacks and as Hochul, 67, heads into a November re-election race against Republican Bruce Blakeman.