Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, responded Sunday evening to an interview in which New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani said he does not recognize Israel as a Jewish state. In a statement circulated on Telegram via journalist Amichai Stein (i24NEWS), Akunis said: 'We do not need your recognition as the state of the Jews. Mamdani's inciting words will end in very bad and violent acts.'
Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, issued a sharp warning Sunday evening following an interview in which New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stated he does not recognize Israel as a Jewish state. The interview, reported by journalist Amichai Stein (i24NEWS) and circulated on Telegram, drew a direct response from Akunis, who said: 'We do not need your recognition as the state of the Jews. Mamdani's inciting words will end in very bad and violent acts.'
Akunis's statement comes amid an ongoing war of words between the consul general and Mamdani during the New York mayoral campaign. As The Zioneer reported Sunday, Mamdani had previously said he opposes Israel as a 'Jewish state,' and last week he doubled down on describing AIPAC and its supporters as 'monsters.' Akunis has consistently framed Mamdani's rhetoric as incitement that contributes to a dangerous atmosphere against Jews and Israel. In a separate response Monday to the Montreal Jewish center shooting, Akunis warned that 'when leaders incite against Israel and Jews, it's no wonder terror attacks are increasing.'
The exchange highlights the diplomatic friction between the Israeli consulate in New York and a mayoral candidate who has emerged as one of the city's most vocal critics of Israeli policy. No response from Mamdani's campaign to Akunis's latest remarks has been reported.
- DevelopingNYC mayoral candidate Mamdani opposes Israel as a 'Jewish state'
- StrongOfir Akunis attacks NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani over al-Jazeera journalist dispute
- StrongNY rabbi accuses mayoral candidate Mamdani of antisemitic incitement over AIPAC 'monsters' remark
- DevelopingIsrael's NYC consul general discusses Montreal shooting with Canadian counterpart
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