Israel's Akunis Accuses Mamdani of Hiding Antisemitism Behind "Fake Smile

Israel's Consul-General in New York, Ofir Akunis, directly accused NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism in a Sunday CBS News interview, escalating a months-long dispute over the mayor's anti-Israel policies and rhetoric.

Akunis called Mamdani "an antisemite hiding behind a fake smile," questioning how the mayor could ensure the security of the Jewish community while claiming Israel committed genocide in Gaza. "He is saying, I will ensure the security of the Jewish community in New York. How will you do it if you are saying that Israel is responsible for a genocide in Gaza?" Akunis said. "This is a disgusting lie, Mr. Mayor. You know that there is no genocide in the Gaza Strip."

Akunis also condemned Mamdani for calling the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the influential pro-Israel lobby group, "monsters." According to the Consul-General, the term was historically used by Nazi Germany against Jews: "It's the same word that the Germans, that the Nazi regime used against the Jewish community."

The Consul-General called on Mamdani to change his anti-Israel rhetoric before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's expected visit to the city in September for the United Nations General Assembly, saying "He must be the mayor of all New Yorkers. He's not doing it. Instead of lowering the flames, he's doing the opposite."

The CBS interview represents an intensification of public accusations from Israeli officials. In July, Akunis stated that Mamdani was "inciting violence against Jews in New York," warning about the consequences of his actions including the abolition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance antisemitism definition on his first day in office. He added that anti-Jewish hate crimes had surged that year, including a 182% increase during Mamdani's first month in office.

Mamdani has repeatedly rejected accusations of antisemitism. The mayor said his criticism is directed at Israeli government policies rather than Jewish people.

Since taking office, Mamdani issued executive orders revoking several pro-Israeli policies enacted by his predecessor, including the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and an order that barred the city from business decisions that discriminate against Israel. Mamdani also stated on camera that he could not support Israel as a Jewish state, saying "I can't tell you I support" it in that form.

During his campaign, Mamdani vowed to arrest Netanyahu if he visited the city, but he has since conceded that New York City does not have the authority to do so. More recently, Mamdani released a video admitting his lack of authority but calling Netanyahu a "war criminal" and urging federal authorities to detain him.

Concluding the CBS interview, Akunis warned against what he characterized as threats to the United States, saying "I don't want to see them force the Sharia laws on you. You must stop them now before it will be too late for you."