Knesset member Sharren Haskel submitted an urgent demand today (Monday) to the prime minister and the foreign and interior ministers to permanently ban New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani from entering Israel and declare him persona non grata.
1+Haskel, who served until last week as deputy foreign minister, said Mamdani has crossed the line of legitimate criticism. His activities, she said, harm Israel’s security, Jewish communities worldwide, and embolden antisemitism.
The move comes after a series of actions by Mamdani. He recently called for the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his UN visit. He’s also leading a systematic campaign to advance boycotts against Israeli institutions. Such conduct damages Israel’s international legitimacy.
1+Haskel’s letter demands three immediate steps. First, review intelligence and legal information gathered on him. Second, use the powers under Israel’s Entry Law to declare him persona non grata. Third, block any assistance or access to someone working against the symbols of the state.
Knesset member Sharren Haskel said: “Israel is a democracy that cherishes free speech. But the state must also protect its foundations, symbols, and leaders. A person who uses international platforms to call for the arrest of Israeli leaders must pay a price. He loses the right to visit here. The state is obligated to take zero tolerance toward elements working against us so clearly.”