Herzog Accuses NYC Mayor Mamdani of Spreading 'Blasphemy,' Antisemitism After Stabbing

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has strongly condemned New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of spreading "blasphemy" and antisemitism. In an interview with Fox News, Herzog stated that Mamdani disrespects Israel's right to self-determination and engages in hate speech that risks the safety of New York citizens.

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Mamdani does not respect my nation's right for self-determination. He's basically spreading blasphemy, hate, antisemitic rhetoric. He should understand that he's risking his own citizens. He’s risking their safety, well-being and life.

Hersog specifically referenced a recent stabbing incident in New York involving two men, one of whom was Jewish, suggesting Mamdani's rhetoric contributed to the violence. "I think New York will continue way after Mamdani, and I hope he won't create any irreversible damage, and I hope the citizens of New York will be as safe as was promised to them," Herzog remarked.

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I think New York will continue way after Mamdani, and I hope he won't create any irreversible damage, and I hope the citizens of New York will be as safe as was promised to them.

In the same interview, President Herzog also directed criticism toward Karim Khan, the former prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC). Herzog accused Khan of attempting to use arrest warrants issued against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a diversion from allegations of sexual harassment against him. Herzog demanded the case be dropped, urging the ICC to reject what he called Khan's "trap of hate and lies."

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That case has to be dropped, and the ICC should revert it completely, and not fall into the trap of hate and lies that Karim Khan presented simply to cover for himself.

Furthermore, Herzog spoke about the strong bond between the United States and Israel, describing their partnership as having "Biblical and prophetic" qualities, particularly citing former US President Donald Trump's support. He attributed rising tensions between Israel and younger Americans largely to social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, which he believes can easily misrepresent Israel. Herzog defended Israel as a democracy with a diverse range of political viewpoints.

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We both drink from the fountain of the Bible. We both drink from this set of values which was commanded to all of us by these historic, spiritual books given to us by the Almighty.