Netanyahu campaign billboard features NYC Mayor alongside regional leaders

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has launched a provocative election campaign billboard in Tel Aviv that features New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside regional adversaries. The advertisement depicts Mamdani next to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. The billboard carries the slogan: “They want Netanyahu to lose... Don’t let them win.”

The campaign move targets Mamdani following his vocal criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The Mayor has previously referred to Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and suggested that U.S. authorities should enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants if the Prime Minister visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu has responded by accusing Mamdani of “fomenting hate” and expressing concern that progressive Democrats aligned with the Mayor could undermine bipartisan support for Israel in the United States.

This political escalation occurs as Israel prepares for general elections in October, following the dissolution of the Knesset in July. Additionally, reports have emerged regarding internal Likud dynamics, including allegations of cash payments to voters during primaries and potential efforts by Netanyahu associates to purge Chareidi members who are not considered loyal party supporters.