TEL AVIV (Diya TV)— New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become part of Israel’s political debate after a campaign billboard in central Tel Aviv linked him with the leaders of Iran, Turkey and Hezbollah.
The billboard comes from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party. The billboard features Mamdani with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem.
Netanyahu also promoted the message on Aug. 16. He posted a photograph of the billboard on social media. He also shared a video in which Mamdani called him a “war criminal.”
Netanyahu has accused Mamdani of “fomenting hate.” He has also claimed that the mayor has encouraged divisions among different religious groups in New York City.
In addition, Netanyahu has criticized progressive Democrats who support Mamdani. He has argued that their views could weaken the traditionally strong bipartisan support for Israel in the United States.
Mamdani has sharply criticized Netanyahu and Israel’s policies toward Palestinians.
Recent polling has shown that Mamdani has gained more support among American Jews than Netanyahu. That finding stands out because Mamdani has taken strong positions against Netanyahu and has openly criticized Israel.
While many American Jews continue to support close U.S.-Israel ties, views on Israel’s government and its policies have become more divided.
