Netanyahu vs. Mamdani Direct Exchange — "Jewish State" Rejection, "Absurd" Rebuke

Tue Jul 7 ABC News interview with Jonathan Karl: Mamdani said he cannot support Israel as a "Jewish state" because it "privileges" Jewish citizens over other religions — extending the frame to "Israel or Saudi Arabia or anywhere else." Netanyahu responded same day, calling the position "absurd" and defending Israel as "the only democracy in the Middle East." Second direct Netanyahu-Mamdani exchange in weeks. Amplifies existing foreign-affairs controversies (Sumud Flotilla, Archila/Iran, DOJ reparations). Weekend Jul 11-12 coverage kept the story alive; JNS et al. argued a "double standard" that Mamdani embraces majority-Muslim states while singling out Israel; Mamdani's office restated the equal-rights framing.