Israel renews its attack on the new mayor of New York after his decisions regarding Tel Aviv

Israel renewed its attack on Friday on the mayor of New York City, Zahran Mamdani, just one day after he officially assumed his duties, in the wake of decisions he made to end restrictions that were imposed on boycotting Tel Aviv, and to cancel the accreditation of a controversial definition of "antisemitism".

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that "Mamdani, on his first day as mayor of New York, revealed his true face, as he lifted the restrictions imposed on boycotting Israel and canceled the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry described these decisions as "pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism," according to its expression.

Mamdani repeatedly rejected accusations of antisemitism, affirming that his criticism of Israel is based on considerations related to human rights. He pledged to protect the Jewish community in New York, while at the same time adhering to his positions regarding Middle East policies.

In the context of this controversy, Mamdani took another notable step by appointing lawyer Ramzi Kassem as the general legal advisor for New York City, praising what he described as "extensive legal expertise" and "commitment to defending marginalized groups," considering that his choice aligns with his vision for building a city that is "more just and prosperous."

However, this appointment sparked criticism in circles supportive of Israel, based on Kassem's professional record, including his work as an advisor on immigration policies in the White House during Joe Biden's administration, his defense of defendants in cases related to terrorism and detainees in Guantanamo, and his representation of student activists who participated in protests against Israel within American universities.

In November last year, Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli launched a sharp attack on Mamdani following his victory, claiming in a post on the "X" platform that "New York has handed its keys to a Hamas supporter," a description that Israeli officials have persistently used against anyone who criticizes Tel Aviv's policies and the genocide war it waged on Gaza.

Chikli added that "New York's choice (Mamdani) undermines the foundations of the city, which has provided freedom and opportunities for success to Jewish refugees since the late 19th century, and has become a stronghold for the largest Jewish community in the world," according to his claim.

Sharren Haskel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, also described in November last year the result of Mamdani's victory as "very worrying," referring to his previous activities and political discourse.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the New York mayoral elections in November 2025, becoming the first Muslim to hold this position in a city that includes one of the largest Jewish communities in the world.

Mamdani had previously pledged in public statements to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he arrives in New York, where the United Nations is headquartered.