Zorhan Memdani Becomes Central Figure in Netanyahu's Election Campaign Amid Past Threats

Zorhan Memdani, who previously attacked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and threatened to arrest him if he came to New York, has now become a prominent figure in Netanyahu's election campaign. According to a CNN report, Memdani appears on billboards in Tel Aviv and in campaign ads alongside the Iranian leader, the Turkish president, and Hezbollah's leader, under the slogan: "They want Netanyahu to lose. Don't let them win."

The conflict between Netanyahu and Memdani has been ongoing for months. During Memdani's 2025 New York mayoral campaign, he threatened to arrest Netanyahu if he visited the city, citing Israel's conduct in the Gaza war. Last month, Memdani reiterated his stance, stating, "Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York, nor is any other war criminal free to roam," while acknowledging New York lacks the authority to detain him.

Netanyahu accused Memdani of supporting Hamas and inciting hatred. Ahead of his trip to New York, Netanyahu said, "I am going to New York to tell the truth against... you know, this local official who spreads hate and incites one group of New Yorkers against another." Previously, Netanyahu's campaigns featured former U.S. President Donald Trump, but amid disagreements with Trump over the Iran war, Memdani has taken a central role in his current campaign ads and billboards.