Hochul Says Netanyahu Defeat Would Ease Her Governance

New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated on Tuesday that her duties would become considerably simpler if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loses his bid for reelection. Hochul, who is a Democrat, made the comments during an interview with Politico Magazine. She explained that she represents the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel.

"A lot easier. And here’s the challenge: I represent the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel," Hochul said. She noted that many residents are anxious about rising antisemitism. Hochul said she takes this concern personally because she represents all constituents. She recalled visiting Israel shortly after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. During that trip, she observed significant pain and privately cautioned the Israeli government against overreaching.

The Israeli general election took place on Tuesday. This marked the first national vote in Israel since the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023. The election occurred one week before the United States midterm elections. In those midterms, Hochul faces Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman in a race to retain her position as New York's top leader.

Hochul said the world stands with Israel following the assault by the terrorist organization Hamas. She argued that an overreach by the Israeli government could change that global dynamic. She stated that an overreach has already happened. Hochul expressed the view that it is not currently in Netanyahu's interest to establish a safe Palestinian state. She believes that a two-state solution requires leaders of goodwill who are willing to make it happen. She argued that Netanyahu's continued presence in power prevents that outcome.

Other New York Democrats have also criticized Netanyahu. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the Israeli leader the architect of horrific genocide against Palestinians in September. Hochul issued a proclamation on May 11 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month in the state. She emphasized that Israel's security is paramount to her and the world. However, she maintained that a safe Palestinian state must also be achieved.

When reached for comment, Hochul's office directed reporters to her remarks during a press Q&A with Spectrum News NY1 on Wednesday. Hochul said that deciding who leads Israel is the prerogative of Israeli voters, not hers. She clarified that she was simply answering a framed question about whether her life would be easier if Netanyahu were not the leader. She replied, "I'm like, yes."

Israeli United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon responded to the comments. He expressed pride in Israel's democratic process. Danon noted that millions of Israelis exercised their right to vote on Tuesday. He reported that voter turnout reached 77.7%, one of the highest levels recorded in Israel this century. He encouraged U.S. elected officials to respect Israel's democratic choice, just as Israel respects the U.S. process. He described the shared commitment to democracy as a fundamental pillar of the partnership between the two nations.

As of Wednesday morning, about 70% of the votes had been tallied. Partial results from Israeli media showed Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc leading with 54 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. The main opposition bloc had 47 seats, and Arab parties held 19. A Siena Research Institute poll released on Wednesday showed Hochul holding a 14-point lead over Blakeman in her own race. The poll showed support for Hochul at 54% and for Blakeman at 40%.