Israeli Lawmaker Demands Permanent Ban on New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Over Anti-Israel Actions

Israeli Member of Knesset Sharren Haskel has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ministers of foreign affairs and interior to permanently bar New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani from entering Israel and to declare him an undesirable person in the country. Haskel, who served until recently as Deputy Foreign Minister, accused Mamdani of crossing the line from legitimate criticism to actions that harm Israel's security and its symbolic leadership. She cited Mamdani's recent calls for Netanyahu's arrest at the United Nations and his leadership in promoting boycotts against Israeli institutions as damaging to Israel's international legitimacy and Jewish communities worldwide.

In her urgent letter sent on Monday, Haskel demanded three immediate steps: first, a review of the intelligence and legal information gathered about Mamdani; second, the use of Israel's entry law powers to declare him persona non grata; and third, to prevent any assistance or access to individuals acting against the state's symbols. Haskel emphasized Israel's commitment to freedom of expression but stressed that those who use international platforms to call for the arrest of Israeli leaders must face consequences and lose the right to visit Israel. She called for zero tolerance toward such clear adversarial actions.

The demand reflects growing tensions over Mamdani's outspoken criticism of Israeli policies and his active role in campaigns supporting boycotts, which Israeli officials view as threats to national security and diplomatic standing. The government has yet to announce any official response to Haskel's request.