Gov. Kathy Hochul offered public guidance to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, urging him to focus on core city governance rather than international issues like his call for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's arrest.

In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, Ms. Hochul emphasized shared policy priorities with Mr. Mamdani, including expanding child care, improving bus speeds, and building housing. She gently advised him to concentrate on "the blocking and tackling of city government."

The governor, a moderate Democrat, acknowledged differences with the democratic socialist mayor, particularly on Israel and its war in Gaza. While Ms. Hochul initially supported Israel's right to defend itself after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, her stance evolved after reports of Palestinian starvation, which she called "unconscionable."

Ms. Hochul also discussed her re-election campaign against Republican Bruce Blakeman, stating she has "no intention" of raising taxes but may reconsider if federal aid cuts continue. She declined to take a position on Amazon's hiring practices but rejected the notion that democratic socialist victories threaten the party, calling their goals aligned with core Democratic values.