Israeli Foreign Ministry Rebukes New York Mayor Mamdani After He Rescinds Antisemitism, Anti‑BDS Orders

The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued an aggressive response after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani rescinded two executive orders from his predecessor that had been presented as fighting antisemitism and restricting boycotts of Israel. The ministry wrote on social media, “On his very first day, Mamdani shows his true face,” and added, “This isn’t leadership.

It’s antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.” Mr. Mamdani left erased the order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s definition of antisemitism and the rule banning city agencies from participating in boycotts of Israel; he has long supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, the report said.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Mamdani said the rescissions had been deliberated for months and the mayor framed them as restoring public trust after former Mayor Eric Adams’s indictment. The rebuke came amid a pattern of sharp Israeli reactions to perceived slights, including criticism by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar of international statements after the Bondi Beach massacre and comments from analysts that the government’s tone has grown less diplomatic.

The Foreign Ministry’s post drew wide attention online — 4.2 million views as of Sunday night, with much of the response accusing Israel of trying to impinge on Americans’ freedom of speech — and American Jewish groups voiced mixed responses, faulting Mr. Mamdani for reversing some protections while welcoming others.

Key Topics

World, Zohran Mamdani, Israeli Foreign Ministry, Ihra Definition, Bds Movement, Eric Adams