NEW YORK (VINnews) — The CEO of a drone manufacturing company that supplies surveillance equipment to the Israeli military said New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani pressured the Brooklyn Navy Yard to terminate his firm’s lease due to the mayor’s pro-Palestinian views.

The NY Post reports that, Shahar Abuhazira, head of Easy Aerial, said he was told in private conversations that “pressure” from the mayor’s office influenced the decision not to renew the company’s lease at the city-owned industrial park. The company must vacate by the end of June, ending a seven-year tenancy.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation denied the claim, saying the decision was made in December 2025 — before Mamdani took office — and cited repeated compliance issues, including unauthorized drone flights and improper utility use.

Easy Aerial provides surveillance drones to the Israeli military but does most of its business with U.S. federal agencies, including the Air Force. The company has faced protests at the Navy Yard since the start of the Gaza war.

Abuhazira said the 100-employee company is considering legal action but hopes to remain in New York.