NYC comptroller backtracks on buying Israeli bonds by saying they aren't a good investment

The comptroller of New York City, an avowed supporter of Israel, has backtracked on his pledge to purchase the country’s bonds, citing deteriorating credit conditions and financial risks in the country. Mark Levine, a Democrat who campaigned on buying Israeli bonds, told The New York Times that he has decided against the move. Notably, his decision was not based on opposition to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank or genocide in Gaza, but on its economic condition. “I always said this would be based on financial considerations only, not politics - that’s still my position,” Levine said. “But as of now, we feel that because of some technical challenges, and because of financial considerations, that this is not an investment that we can make right now.” New York City’s purchase of Israeli bonds became a contentious issue in January 2026, after Levine told the Financial Times he was considering buying them, citing their economic performance. Levine’s predecessor, Brad Lander, declined to buy new Israeli bonds in 2023. At the time, the city’s pension fund held around $39m in Israeli bonds, generating returns of around five percent. Read more: NYC comptroller backtracks on buying Israeli bonds by saying they aren't a good investment New York City comptroller Mark Levine speaks during the annual New York State Financial Control Board meeting in New York City, on 12 August 2026 (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP)