‘Electing Him Is A Folly’: Netanyahu Dismisses Zohran Mamdani’s ‘Nonsense’ Vision For New York

Last Updated:July 22, 2025, 15:37 IST

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Zohran Mamdani, calling his proposals "nonsense" and labeling him an "antisemite".

Benjamin Netanyahu and Zohran Mamdani

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani during an appearance on “The Full Send Podcast" with the Nelk Boys, calling some of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign proposals “nonsense" and predicting he would serve only one term if elected.

Benjamin Netanyahu, when talking about antisemitism referred to Zohran Mamdani as an “antisemite", adding, “A lot of people have been taken in by this nonsense. You want to defund the police? You want to have people go into stores and rob them and be free, you think that creates a good society?"

Zohran Mamdani has not called for defunding the New York Police Department but has proposed reallocating resources within the department to prioritize serious crimes while maintaining the current headcount.

Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized Zohran Mamdani’s plan to raise taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents, saying, “You want to crush all enterprise? You want to tax people to death? I mean, that’s a one-term effort. Sometimes you have to get mugged by reality to understand how stupid that is."

Benjamin Netanyahu added that he was “not happy" with Zohran Mamdani’s primary win, calling his candidacy a “temporary folly." He said, “I’m less concerned with it because I think if we can speak the truth to the young people of America, you know they wise up pretty quickly."

Zohran Mamdani has drawn attention for his criticism of Israel’s military actions- which he has referred to as a “genocide." He has said that if elected mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit, citing a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. Tel Aviv has denied the genocide accusation and said that it does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani has denied being antisemitic and pointed to endorsements from prominent Jewish leaders, including City Comptroller Brad Lander and US Representative Jerry Nadler.

Location :

New York, United States of America (USA)

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News world ‘Electing Him Is A Folly’: Netanyahu Dismisses Zohran Mamdani’s ‘Nonsense’ Vision For New York