NEW YORK — Progressive mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was pressed this week over a resurfaced video from 2023 in which he claimed that “when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF.” The controversial remark, widely circulated on social media, has reignited scrutiny of Mamdani’s record and his history of inflammatory statements toward Israel.

During a media availability, a reporter directly asked Mamdani whether he still stands by his comments comparing New York City police to Israeli defense forces. The candidate avoided a direct response, instead saying, “I’m looking forward to working with police officers to do the work of a police department — not the work of social services.”

Mamdani’s deflection left many questioning whether he intends to retract or reaffirm his earlier statement. Critics argue the 2023 remarks reflect a disturbing pattern among far-left activists who attempt to frame American law enforcement through an anti-Israel lens. Jewish and pro-police organizations swiftly condemned his refusal to clarify, calling it “a failure of moral leadership.”

The resurfaced video originally came from a Democratic Socialists of America event in which Mamdani accused the NYPD of adopting tactics from the Israeli military — a claim long debunked by law enforcement officials and experts.

Political observers say the controversy could complicate Mamdani’s campaign as he seeks to broaden his appeal beyond progressive circles. “New Yorkers want safety, not ideology,” said one city official. “If a candidate can’t even answer a simple question about smearing police officers, that’s a red flag.”

The incident underscores growing tension in New York politics, where anti-Israel rhetoric has increasingly clashed with mainstream voters who support public safety and reject divisive identity-based politics.