New York City mayor signs business deal with Israel creating joint economic council

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Monday signed a declaration of intent regarding a joint economic council deal with Israeli Economic Minister Nir Barkat during a summit in Manhattan.

The council will be tasked with finding ways to “enhance economic cooperation" between the two countries, and help Israeli businesses that want to set up an outlet in New York City. The council will be staffed by both city hall officials and representatives of the Israeli government.

The announcement comes as Adams seeks reelection, and as several of the mayor's opponents call for the U.S. to pull federal funding and investments from Israel over its war with Hamas.

Adams pushed back on the anti-Israel rhetoric during remarks at the Jerusalem Post conference.

“Several politicians in this city and some running for mayor have called for the disinvestment in Israel," the mayor said. "Well, they got another think coming. As long as I’m the mayor of this city, we will be investing in Israel.”

The agreement specifically seeks to strengthen ties between the city and Israel when it comes to technological collaboration in fields such as environmental science and artificial intelligence. 

Adams said the agreement will also "drive innovation, create jobs and strengthen the unbreakable bond between our two governments.” 

New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, according to the mayor's office.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.