Full Breakdown
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Outpaces Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Favorability Among American Jews
7/12/2026, 8:04:29 AM
Core Event
An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted June 11-17 2026 surveyed 1,022 Jewish adults nationwide. 44 percent viewed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani favorably, while 39 percent held an unfavorable view, giving him a net +5-point rating. By contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earned a 32 percent favorability rating and a 59 percent unfavorable rating, a net -27-point score. The poll also measured attitudes toward the Gaza war, U.S. policy, and Palestinian statehood.
Background & Context
Mamdani, elected mayor in 2025 with 26 percent of the New York Jewish vote, has faced sustained criticism from Jewish leaders and Zionist organizations for refusing to label Israel a “Jewish state,” pledging to enforce the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu, and boycotting the city’s annual Israel Day Parade. His administration reversed several Israel-related executive orders from former Mayor Eric Adams and has publicly condemned anti-Semitic vandalism.
Data & Statistics
- Favorability: Mamdani 44 % vs. Netanyahu 32 % (favorability); Mamdani 39 % vs. Netanyahu 59 % (unfavorable).
- Gaza war: 73 % of Jewish respondents said Israel’s immediate response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack was justified; only 42 % supported the continuation of military operations in Gaza.
- Genocide perception: 30 % believed Israel committed genocide in Gaza; 49 % rejected the claim.
- Palestinian statehood: 33 % supported an independent state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem; 36 % opposed; 30 % were neutral.
- U.S. policy: 38 % thought the United States is “too supportive” of Israel, while 24 % felt it is “too supportive” of Palestinians.
- Political affiliation: 59 % of Jewish respondents identified as Democrats, 27 % as Republicans, 14 % as independents.
Why It Matters
The poll signals a notable shift in American Jewish public opinion, challenging the long-standing perception of uniform support for Israeli leadership. Declining favorability for Netanyahu and growing skepticism of U.S. backing for Israel may influence future electoral dynamics, congressional stances on aid, and diplomatic engagements, especially as Netanyahu is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
Official Statements & Responses
Mamdani told NY1 that the poll’s “great” result was secondary to his primary goal of ensuring Jewish New Yorkers feel “safe, cherished and celebrated” in the city. He emphasized that “my focus is on delivering for each and every New Yorker” and highlighted America’s constitutional commitment to equality as a model for the world. Netanyahu’s office, speaking to ynet, described the mayor’s stance on the ICC warrant as a “headache” for the mayor. The Israeli consulate in New York criticized Mamdani’s wife’s involvement in a women’s retreat that framed Mary as a “Palestinian woman,” calling the narrative “false and dangerous.”
Criticism & Opposition
Jewish and Zionist groups have condemned Mamdani’s refusal to label Israel a Jewish state and his pledge to arrest Netanyahu if the prime minister visits New York. Critics also pointed to his boycott of the Israel Day Parade and his support for economic boycotts and divestment campaigns targeting Israel.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While all sources report the same favorability percentages, the poll’s margin of error is ±5 percentage points for Jewish respondents, indicating a statistical uncertainty that could affect precise rankings. No source provides post-poll follow-up data on how these attitudes may evolve after the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think I’ll leave it to New Yorkers and pundits to make of it what they will,” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City
- “One of the things that makes me so proud to be an American is that equality is enshrined in our Constitution,” — Zohran Mamdani
- “The first lady of the city is pushing a false and dangerous narrative against Israel,” — Israeli Consulate, New York
- “headache” for the mayor. — Netanyahu’s office, as reported by ynet
What’s Next
Netanyahu is slated to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September, a test of Mamdani’s pledge to enforce the ICC arrest warrant. The mayor’s administration is also expected to release a detailed plan for expanding hate-crime prevention initiatives ahead of the city’s 2027 municipal elections.
