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Israeli President Isaac Herzog has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of spreading "blasphemy" and antisemitic rhetoric, warning that the mayor is endangering the lives of New Yorkers. Herzog made the remarks in an interview with Fox News at his Jerusalem residence, according to both Fox News and the Jerusalem Post.

Coverage comparison

Fox News and the Jerusalem Post both reported Herzog's criticism of Mamdani, quoting the president as saying that the mayor "does not respect my nation's right for self-determination" and is "basically spreading blasphemy, hate, antisemitic rhetoric." The Jerusalem Post noted that the interview was published on Saturday. The two reports highlighted different parts of the interview. Fox News carried Herzog's praise for US President Donald Trump's support for Israel, including the decision to relocate the US embassy to Jerusalem, and his comments on the threat posed by Iran. The Jerusalem Post reported that Herzog referenced a recent stabbing in New York in which two men were attacked, one of them Jewish, and attributed the violence to Mamdani's rhetoric. The Jerusalem Post also reported Herzog's condemnation of former International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual harassment allegations.

Key claims

  • Both Fox News and the Jerusalem Post reported that Herzog accused Mamdani of spreading "blasphemy, hate, antisemitic rhetoric" and said the mayor is "risking his own citizens" and their well-being.
  • Fox News reported that in a July 21 social media video, Mamdani called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "a war criminal" and "the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people."
  • According to the Jerusalem Post, Herzog referenced a recent stabbing of two men in New York, one of whom was Jewish, and blamed Mamdani's rhetoric for the violence.
  • The Jerusalem Post reported that Herzog condemned former ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, accusing him of using arrest warrants against Israeli officials to distract from sexual harassment allegations, and called for the case to be dropped.
  • Fox News reported that Herzog praised Trump's support for Israel, including the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem.
  • Fox News reported that Herzog described Iran's regime as a strategic threat, citing its missile program, nuclear ambitions, and support for regional terror proxies.
  • The Jerusalem Post reported that Herzog described the US-Israel relationship as "Biblical and prophetic," rooted in shared spiritual values.

Perspectives

Isaac Herzog — The Israeli president argues that Mamdani's statements constitute "blasphemy" and antisemitic rhetoric that endanger New Yorkers. He also condemned Khan, praised Trump's support for Israel, and said Iran poses a strategic threat to global stability.

Zohran Mamdani — The New York City mayor described Netanyahu as "a war criminal" and "the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people" in a July 21 social media video.