Cuomo, Teachout Disagree On Whether Israel Is A New York Issue
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his Democratic challenger differ on whether the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is an issue that impacts New York.
Cuomo, who recently returned from a trip to Israel, told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell the bonds between Israel and the Empire State are strong.
"As New Yorkers, we have a special connection with the state of Israel," said Cuomo, who was part of a New York delegation who visited Israel on a "unity mission" last month. "We do. Economically, we do. Culturally, we do."
The governor said it's important for New Yorkers and Americans to stand with Israel. He said it's not difficult to envision Hamas' brand of terrorism being exported from the Middle East.
"If you look down the road, they're going to be in Europe tomorrow," Cuomo said. "And if you look down the road a little further, they'll probably be in this country."
His Democratic opponent, Zephyr Teachout, however, is steering clear of the issue.
"I'm running for governor, not president," she said. "And I"m not going to second-guess the president or the secretary of state on foreign policy."
Teachout did say she wants peace.
The Democratic primary will be held Tuesday.
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