Hochul: Netanyahu's Election Loss Would Make Her Job 'A Lot Easier'

New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated on Tuesday that her job would be "a lot easier" if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not retain power, citing the need for Israeli leadership that prioritizes security for both Israel and a safe Palestinian state.

Hochul, speaking to Politico Magazine, explained that her position is complicated by representing the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. "A lot of people are anxious about antisemitism, which is sky-high right now," she said. "And I take that personally, because I represent everyone."

Israel held a general election on Tuesday, its first since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre. Hochul visited Israel shortly after the attack and noted that she had privately cautioned the Israeli government against overreach.

"The world is with you when it comes to the brutal assault by a terrorist organization known as Hamas on innocent Israeli people," Hochul continued. "An overreach could change that dynamic, and that’s what’s happened."

She also expressed doubt that it is currently in Netanyahu's interest to support the establishment of a safe Palestinian state. "I have to have leadership there that understands the security of Israel is paramount -- critically important to me, but also the world -- but to have a safe Palestinian state as well, which has been talked about my entire life," Hochul said. "I still believe that this can happen. I believe we have to get people of goodwill who can make this happen, and as long as Netanyahu is sitting there, that is not in his interest to do that. It’s just not, and it won’t happen."

Hochul's comments came as New York City Mayor Eric Adams also faced scrutiny over his remarks regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a fellow Democrat, has been more vocal in his criticism of Netanyahu, previously calling him "the architect of horrific genocide against Palestinians."

Despite the Israeli election, Hochul is also facing a gubernatorial race in New York. A recent Siena Research Institute poll indicated she holds a 14-point lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.

Hochul's office later directed Fox News Digital to remarks she made to Spectrum News NY1. "Well, that's certainly [voters'] prerogative to decide who they want to lead Israel," Hochul told NY1. "It's not mine. But I was simply asked a question, if you see how it's framed. Would your life be a lot easier if Netanyahu was not the leader of Israel? I'm like, yes."

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon responded to the sentiments, emphasizing respect for democratic processes. "I encourage all elected officials in the United States to respect Israel's democratic process, just as Israel respects the democratic process in the United States," Danon said. "Our shared commitment to democracy is a fundamental pillar of the strong and enduring partnership between our two countries."

Partial results from Israel's election showed Netanyahu's bloc leading, though a majority in the Knesset remained elusive.