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

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a centrist Democrat, addressed the party's internal division over Israel during a New York Times interview ahead of her November reelection bid. While initially supportive of Israel's right to self-defense after October 7, she later criticized reports of starvation in Gaza as “unconscionable.” When asked about Mayor Mamdani's call for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Governor Hochul advised, “I encourage him to - 'let's focus on the blocking and tackling of city government.'” She emphasized shared priorities with Mamdani, such as expanding childcare and housing, and reaffirmed her commitment to the safety of Jewish New Yorkers, stating, “I will throw my body against any antisemitism.” Hochul, identifying as a “Biden Democrat,” welcomed the energy of Democratic Socialists while distinguishing her approach from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.