Herzog accuses Mamdani of spreading 'blasphemy,' antisemitism, after stabbing attack

President Isaac Herzog, in a Fox News interview published Saturday, accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of spreading 'blasphemy,' hate, and antisemitic rhetoric, linking the mayor's words to a recent stabbing of two men, one Jewish. Herzog also condemned former ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, alleging he used arrest warrants against Israeli officials to distract from sexual harassment allegations. He praised US-Israel ties as 'Biblical,' blamed social media for tensions with younger Americans, and called Iran a regional threat due to its ideology.

In an interview with Fox News published on Saturday, President Isaac Herzog leveled sharp accusations against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, saying the mayor is spreading 'blasphemy,' hate, and antisemitic rhetoric. Herzog tied Mamdani's words to a recent stabbing in New York that injured two men, one of them Jewish, implying the mayor's rhetoric contributed to the violence. 'Mamdani does not respect my nation's right for self-determination,' Herzog said, adding that Mamdani is 'risking his own citizens' safety, well-being and life.' Herzog also condemned former International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan, alleging Khan used arrest warrants against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a distraction from sexual harassment allegations against him. Herzog demanded the ICC case be dropped, saying Khan presented 'hate and lies' to cover for himself. The president also spoke about US-Israel relations, calling them 'Biblical and prophetic,' and blamed social media for tensions with younger Americans, saying it is 'very easy to smear Israel on TikTok.' On Iran, Herzog called the regime a threat to regional stability due to its ideology, citing its missile program, actions in Hormuz, and nuclear ambitions.