New york: Israeli government ministers have launched a scathing attack on Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected Muslim mayor of New York City, urging the city's Jewish population to consider relocating to Israel. Mamdani, who emerged victorious in the mayoral election on Tuesday, is the first Muslim and South Asian to assume this role in New York City.

According to Anadolu Agency, the backlash from Israeli officials was swift and severe. Amichai Chikli, Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister and a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party, expressed his disapproval on social media platform X, referring to Mamdani as a supporter of Hamas. Chikli described Mamdani's election as a significant turning point for New York, which has historically been home to one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Israel. He extended an invitation to New York's Jewish residents to consider relocating to Israel.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, echoed Chikli's sentiments, labeling Mamdani's election as a victory for antisemitism over common sense. Ben-Gvir accused the new mayor of being a supporter of Hamas and an avowed anti-semite. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also criticized Mamdani, expressing concerns about the potential impact of his leadership on the Jewish community's sense of security in New York.

Mamdani, prior to his election, had made comments about potentially arresting Netanyahu during any visit to New York, in line with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Despite the criticisms, Mamdani has consistently denounced antisemitism and pledged to support the Jewish community in New York. During his campaign, he vowed to build a City Hall committed to fighting antisemitism and supporting Jewish New Yorkers.

With over 50% of the vote in a three-way contest and 91% of votes counted, Mamdani's election signifies a change backed by a diverse voter base, including Jewish constituents opposing the Netanyahu government's policies. This comes amidst recent events in Gaza, where Israeli actions have resulted in significant casualties and injuries, prompting international scrutiny and a subsequent ceasefire.