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By: Andrew Carlson
New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli issued sharp criticism on Monday against Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) following her remarks describing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “bad actor” who must be “held accountable.”
According to Ciattarelli, Sherrill’s comments represent a troubling form of rhetoric that he said not only distorts the situation in Israel but also risks emboldening terrorist groups such as Hamas.
“Mikkie Sherrill calling Prime Minister Netanyahu a bad actor who has to be ‘held accountable’ is dangerous Mamdani-like rhetoric that also shows her complete lack of understanding of the facts and reality on the ground,” Ciattarelli said, invoking the name of New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a progressive lawmaker known for his outspoken criticism of Israel.
“In doing so, she emboldens Hamas and puts more innocent lives at risk. Now, more than ever, Israel and her people need our steadfast support,” the Republican candidate added.
Sherrill, who represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, has been a rising voice among Democrats advocating for a tougher stance on Israel’s government under Netanyahu, especially in light of ongoing hostilities in Gaza and questions surrounding civilian casualties. Her remarks, describing Netanyahu as a “bad actor,” echo sentiments expressed by a growing faction of Democrats in Congress who have pushed for more conditions on U.S. military aid to Israel.
The debate has become increasingly contentious as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to draw intense scrutiny both in the U.S. and abroad. Supporters of Netanyahu argue that such criticism risks undermining Israel’s ability to defend itself against Hamas, which launched the October 7, 2023, attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the ongoing conflict.
Opponents contend that Netanyahu’s government has pursued policies that worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza and strain Israel’s relationship with Western allies.
Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and the Republican nominee for governor in 2021, has consistently framed himself as a strong supporter of Israel. His latest comments suggest that Middle East policy, particularly the U.S.-Israel relationship, could become a flashpoint in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial race.
By comparing Sherrill’s comments to those of Assemblyman Mamdani — whose criticisms of Israel have sparked backlash from Jewish leaders and pro-Israel groups — Ciattarelli positioned Sherrill alongside some of the most vocal progressive critics of the Jewish state.
The Republican candidate stressed that rhetoric casting doubt on Israel’s leadership at a time of war risks emboldening Hamas, which continues to hold hostages and maintain military positions within Gaza despite Israel’s ongoing campaign.
Sherrill is a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor. Her comments on Israel could become a significant issue in future political contests, especially in a state with one of the largest Jewish populations in the country.
Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to Gov. Phil Murphy in the 2021 election, has sought to consolidate his support within the Republican base ahead of another run. His forceful defense of Israel and critique of Sherrill’s position underscore his alignment with a broader GOP strategy that frames strong U.S.-Israel relations as a litmus test issue.
The dispute comes as American politicians on both sides of the aisle continue to grapple with how to balance U.S. support for Israel with mounting international calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Deep divisions within the Democratic Party have become more pronounced, with progressive lawmakers pressing for conditional aid and more direct criticism of Netanyahu’s government.
Republicans, meanwhile, have largely closed ranks around Israel, portraying Democratic criticism as weakening a key U.S. ally in the Middle East.
Ciattarelli’s remarks reflect that divide, amplifying a Republican narrative that positions support for Netanyahu — and Israel more broadly — as both a moral and strategic imperative.
“Now, more than ever, Israel and her people need our steadfast support,” Ciattarelli said, framing his message not only as a critique of Sherrill but as a broader call for unity behind Israel during a period of deepening conflict.
Her’s is a rather mildly phrased criticism. The Muslim monsters are unified in their support of and participation in the genocide of Israelis. None of them has lifted a finger to help any of their Jewish Israeli tortured and murdered captives. There is no important distinction between the Gazan alleged “terrrorists” and “civilians“. Any and all criticism of Israel and Netanyahu is transparent virtue – signaling antisemitism. Israel has done far far more than
anything required. The Democratic Party under Obama and Biden, and now has long been the military and enemy of Israel, who gave Iran nuclear weapons. The “palestinian” Muslim monsters deserve not an ounce of sympathy or support. For me, it is incomprehensible that there continues to be any Jewish Democrats.
As for support of Netanyahu, has had to continue to content with absurdly hostile domestic and foreign enemies, no one has ever done a better job, and I cannot imagine anyone else coming close to doing so.
(Her’s = Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ))