Israeli President Isaac Herzog has strongly criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of spreading hateful and antisemitic rhetoric that endangers New Yorkers. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Herzog stated that Mamdani does not respect Israel's right to self-determination and that his words risk the safety and well-being of his own citizens.
Mamdani's recent social media post calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "a war criminal" and "the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people" drew international attention and condemnation from Herzog.
"This cannot be accepted in New York, which is a city which is dear to our heart, dear to the Israelis, and dear to me personally," Herzog said. "I think New York will continue way after Mamdani. And I hope he won't create an irreversible damage."
Iran's Global Threat
Herzog also sounded the alarm on Iran, describing the regime as a decades-long strategic threat to global stability, not just to Israel and the Middle East. He asserted that Iran diverts its people's resources to fund terror worldwide, driven by an ideology that rejects other religions and moderate Islam.
"They take their people's food and money and spend it on terror all over the world. It's a given fact," Herzog stated. "You ask yourself why a nation of this nature wants to have so much terror activity around the world, and that is because of ideology… The ideology does not accommodate any other religion or moderate Islam, for that matter. That is why it is so dangerous."
He pointed to Tehran’s missile program, activities around the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear ambitions, domestic repression, and support for regional terror proxies as evidence of the regime’s significant threat to U.S. national security interests, noting that many Americans have been killed by the Islamic Republic.
U.S.-Israel Alliance and Trump's Support
Amidst questioning of the U.S.-Israel relationship by some American political voices, President Herzog emphasized the deep ties between the two nations. He highlighted what he described as former President Donald Trump’s significant support for Israel, evidenced by actions such as relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
"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," Herzog said, referring to the shared values between the U.S. and Israel.
Herzog lauded Trump's "endless" backing of Israeli positions and his "immense support and friendship with Israel." He credited Trump with playing a crucial role in securing the return of hostages held by Hamas after the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, stating that the former president "put his foot down" and "pushed and negotiated brilliantly."
"I believe that there is something biblical and prophetic in the way our nations work together. And I truly believe that Israel should be a bipartisan issue of friendship and support," Herzog added.
He linked the reported decline in American support for Israel, particularly among younger generations, to well-funded disinformation campaigns on social media. "It's very easy to smear Israel on TikTok, but that doesn't say the real truth. And I invite every young American to set foot in this country," he urged.
Gaza Ceasefire and ICC Prosecutor
Herzog also commented on the efforts to advance a Gaza ceasefire, praising the "enormous efforts" by the U.S. administration. He noted that a potential roadmap for Hamas's disarmament, previously approved by the UN Security Council under a plan by President Trump, could be a "major breakthrough."
"The people of Gaza deserve a better life. And there is a real viable plan, including budget and efforts, how to change the course of the future," Herzog said, emphasizing that "Hamas cannot control Gaza and cannot turn it into a launching pad for terror and hate anymore."
Regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan's dismissal over sexual misconduct allegations, Herzog suggested that Khan issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders to distract from the accusations.
"Everybody got ready to talk to him and present the real story and the real truth," Herzog recounted. "His staff were on their way to the airport and all of a sudden he issued these orders and writs against Prime Minister Netanyahu, [then] Defense Minister [Yoav] Gallant and others. And only in hindsight now we know clearly that it was in order to divert attention from the sexual allegations."
Herzog called for the case to be dropped, stating that the ICC should not fall into "the trap of hate and lies that Karim Khan presented simply to cover for himself."
Christian Communities and Interfaith Dialogue
President Herzog also highlighted Israel's commitment to Christian communities in the Holy Land and its efforts to strengthen interfaith dialogue. He noted that these communities are a top priority for Israel, with approximately 184,200 Christians representing 1.9% of the country's population as of December 2025.
"I believe in real dialogue with our brothers and sisters from the Evangelical world in the United States and elsewhere," Herzog stated. "So, the Christian communities are a top priority in Israel and we are doing our best that they will flourish and grow."
He added that Israel maintains a zero-tolerance policy for anti-Christian behavior and is actively addressing tensions to reduce friction. "And I'm here for any Christian community that needs support of any kind. People know it. And I speak to their leaders all the time."