Mayor Zoran Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Drone Contract Termination
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani is under scrutiny on social media following the decision to terminate a contract with a drone company that supplies drones to Israel. This action occurred just six weeks into his term, after he took office with a critical stance towards Israel.
The conflict arises from the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation’s (BNYDC) choice not to renew its lease with Easy Aerial, a drone manufacturer based in New York City that works with the Israeli military. Reports indicate that this decision was made following Mamdani’s inauguration on New Year’s Day, a time when his anti-Israel comments had already stirred significant criticism during his campaign.
“Easy Aerial is leaving the Brooklyn Navy Yard,” tweeted New York City Democratic Representative Lincoln Ressler. He praised the leadership of the Brooklyn Navy Yard for their decision, stating that public property should not host a company that produces drones repurposed as weapons for war.
The BNYDC is overseen by a board appointed by the mayor, and this decision aligns closely with Mamdani’s past criticisms of Israeli policies. Back in the previous year, protesters had targeted the Brooklyn Navy Yard, demanding the eviction of tenants that conduct business with Israel, including Easy Aerial.
A spokesperson for the BNYDC explained that the lease was not renewed due to operational and compliance issues. The spokesperson insisted that the decision was purely business-related and made in December, prior to notifying Easy Aerial in January.
Mamdani has a history of supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, having co-founded a chapter of Students for Palestinian Justice during his university years. This stance was a recurring topic during his electoral campaign.
The executive vice president of One Israel Fund, Scott Feltman, articulated his discontent with the mayor’s actions, emphasizing that they threaten peace at a time when conflicts in the region are ongoing. He argued that this situation will ultimately be detrimental to the local economy as it pushes out businesses that provide quality jobs.
Fox News Digital also reached out to Easy Aerial for their perspective on the lease termination.
