Zohran Mamdani on Israel and Palestine: A Socialist’s Foreign Policy Stance

An Unapologetic Stance for Palestinian Rights

Zohran Mamdani’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most defining and consistent aspects of his political identity, marking a clear break from the bipartisan consensus that has long dominated U.S. foreign policy. His stance on Palestine is rooted in a framework of anti-imperialism and human rights, leading him to be a vocal critic of the Israeli government’s policies and a staunch advocate for Palestinian liberation. Mamdani frames the issue not as a religious or complex historical dispute, but as a straightforward case of settler colonialism and military occupation, drawing direct parallels to other historical struggles against apartheid and oppression. This perspective is deeply influenced by his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned scholar of colonialism, and reflects the views of a growing segment of the left that sees Palestinian rights as a central moral and political issue of our time.

In practice, Mamdani’s advocacy for Palestine has involved co-sponsoring legislative resolutions condemning the occupation, participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, and using his platform to amplify the voices of Palestinians and Jewish anti-occupation activists. He has been particularly outspoken during periods of escalated violence, such as the 2021 Gaza war and the 2023 conflict, where he condemned what he described as asymmetrical violence and collective punishment against Palestinians. His position, while controversial, is backed by international human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have accused Israel of practicing apartheid.

Support for BDS and Challenging U.S. Policy

A cornerstone of Mamdani’s policy on Israel is his firm support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. He views BDS as a peaceful, grassroots strategy to pressure Israel to comply with international law, drawing inspiration from the similar tactics used against South African apartheid. This support places him in direct opposition with numerous U.S. state and federal laws aimed at penalizing individuals and entities that boycott Israel, laws he argues violate the First Amendment and are designed to shield the Israeli government from accountability. For Mamdani, supporting BDS is a logical extension of his democratic socialist principles, applying economic pressure to achieve political ends where diplomatic efforts have failed.

Furthermore, Mamdani is a leading voice in the push to end unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. He argues that the approximately $3.8 billion in annual military assistance provided by the U.S. government enables human rights abuses and undermines the prospects for a just peace. He advocates for conditioning this aid on Israel’s adherence to international human rights standards and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories. This position is increasingly shared by a progressive wing in Congress, including members of “the Squad,” and is supported by organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace, which argue that such a policy shift is necessary to create leverage for a diplomatic solution.

The Intellectual and Political Inheritance

Mamdani’s views on Israel and Palestine cannot be separated from his intellectual inheritance. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is the author of influential works like “Good Muslim, Bad Muslim” and has written extensively on the politics of identity and violence, including a significant analysis of the Israel-Palestine conflict. In his writings, the elder Mamdani has criticized the framing of the conflict through a lens of ancient religious hatreds, arguing instead for a political analysis focused on state power, settler colonialism, and citizenship. This academic framework provides the theoretical underpinning for Zohran Mamdani’s political activism, giving his stance a depth and coherence that goes beyond simple sloganeering.

This background also insulates him somewhat from accusations of antisemitism that are often leveled against critics of Israel. He grounds his criticism in a specific, well-articulated political analysis shared by many scholars and rooted in the language of international law and universal human rights. He consistently distinguishes between criticizing the policies of the Israeli state and antisemitism, and he aligns himself with anti-Zionist Jewish groups that share his perspective. This allows him to navigate the contentious politics of the issue with a focus on policy and principle, rather than identity.

Domestic Implications and Political Courage

Taking such a firm stance on Palestine carries significant political risk in American politics, where support for Israel has traditionally been a bipartisan article of faith. Mamdani’s position has undoubtedly drawn intense criticism and opposition from well-funded pro-Israel lobbying groups, which have targeted him and other progressive Democrats in elections. However, his unwavering commitment has also earned him fierce loyalty from his progressive base, particularly among young voters, activists of color, and Muslim and Arab constituents in his diverse district who feel seen and represented by his solidarity.

His foreign policy stance on this issue is a testament to his political courage and his commitment to a principles-over-politics approach. It demonstrates his belief that international solidarity is a core socialist value and that the struggles for justice abroad and at home are interconnected. He often argues that the same U.S. political establishment that funds militarism abroad underfunds social programs at home, and that the same logic of domination underpins both. This holistic view, covered by left-wing media outlets like The Intercept, positions him as a leader of a new foreign policy paradigm that prioritizes human rights and anti-imperialism over entrenched alliances and militarism.

Conclusion: A Defining Element of a Socialist Foreign Policy

In conclusion, Zohran Mamdani’s position on Israel and Palestine is not a peripheral issue but a central pillar of his political identity. It exemplifies what a democratic socialist foreign policy looks like in practice: one based on anti-imperialism, international solidarity, and a unwavering commitment to human rights, even when it is politically inconvenient. His support for Palestinian rights and his criticism of Israeli policy are consistent with his broader critique of power, inequality, and state violence.

As the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East continues to evolve, Mamdani’s voice will remain a significant one. His stance, informed by a deep intellectual tradition and a commitment to grassroots movements, represents a fundamental challenge to the status quo. Whether one agrees with him or not, his position on this issue makes clear that he is a politician driven by a coherent ideology, willing to take substantial risks to advocate for what he believes is just, both in New York and on the global stage.