New York Gov. Kathy Hochul heads to Israel for ‘solidarity’ mission

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is heading to Israel on Tuesday for a “solidarity mission” that will include meetings with diplomatic leaders and communities impacted by the deadly Hamas attacks.

“During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel,” Ms. Hochul, a Democrat, said. “New York will show the world that we stand with Israel – today, tomorrow and forever.”

Her state is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.

Ms. Hochul is traveling to the Middle East nation one day before President Biden arrives Wednesday to meet with Israeli leaders.

Mr. Biden plans to show “steadfast support” for Israel and discuss its next steps in responding to the militants, as global organizations fear a humanitarian disaster in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. 

The president will then travel to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Both Ms. Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, have spoken forcefully in defense of Israel since Palestinian militants attacked Israeli towns on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,000, including 30 Americans, and taking scores of hostages who are still being held.

“Israel has a right to defend itself, and that’s the right that we know. Your fight is our fight,” Mr. Adams said.

New York has beefed up security measures around synagogues and mass transit due to tensions around the Hamas-Israel conflict.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, led a bipartisan trip to Israel over the weekend to meet with leaders and discuss potential aid from the U.S.

Mr. Schumer posted a photo on the X platform that shows him waiting in a shelter in Tel Aviv because of the threat of Hamas rockets.