‘Pay attention to New York, not Israel’: Gov. Kathy Hochul advises NYC Mayor Mamdani in rift

New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the political divide over Israel in an interview with the New York Times, as she prepares to run for re-election in November. The Democratic Party is split between moderate, centrist Democrats like Hochul, who support Israel, and far-left Democratic Socialists who are strongly anti-Israel.

After the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hochul initially argued for the nation's right to defend itself, later apologizing for suggesting Gaza could be destroyed. She has since expressed more criticism of Israel, deeming reports of Palestinian starvation "unconscionable." In the gubernatorial race in Michigan and the congressional race in Northern California, centrist Democrats who support Israel, backed by AIPAC, lost to anti-Israel Democratic Socialists.

Hochul will face off against Republican Bruce Blakeman in November. When asked about Mayor Mamdani's recent comments calling for the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal, Hochul shifted her focus to New York City's and the state's needs, emphasizing shared policies with the mayor. She reassured the public of her commitment to the safety of Jewish New Yorkers, stating she would "throw her body against any antisemitism."

Hochul identifies as a "Biden Democrat" and sees alignment with the goals of the mainstream Democratic wing, including expanding health care and education. She downplayed concerns that socialist victories in primaries across the nation threatened the Democratic Party, welcoming the energy and support from young people, a contrast to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has distanced himself from the DSA agenda.