ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul intends to propose measures to limit protests near religious institutions during the forthcoming state budget discussions. This move could lead to a potential policy disagreement with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, The Post has discovered.

According to a source from the governor’s office, Hochul is advocating for the creation of buffer zones around religious venues to prevent demonstrations. This initiative has gained traction following a recent incident where a group of anti-Israel protesters gathered outside a Manhattan synagogue.

Legislation put forth by Assemblyman Micah Lasher (D-Manhattan) and State Senator Sam Sutton (D-Brooklyn) aims to prohibit protests within 25 feet of entrances and parking areas of both places of worship and abortion clinics.

Regarding the protest on November 19 at Park East Synagogue, Hochul expressed her support for keeping demonstrations away from prayer sites. However, she clarified that she is not endorsing any particular piece of legislation at the moment.

“I am keen on safeguarding individuals’ right to worship freely in any location, whether it’s a house of worship or another sensitive area. Therefore, I’m open to considering a buffer to ensure this essential right is protected,” Hochul stated on Thursday.

Mamdani was noncommittal when asked about the legislation proposed by Lasher and Sutton.

“I look forward to speaking with community leaders, with elected leaders and with legal experts before making any determinations on that legislation,” he said Thursday.

The democratic socialist and fierce critic of Israel has been slammed for his response to the protest, which took place over the Upper East Side synagogue hosting an Israeli organization.

Mamdani in part criticized the synagogue for renting a space to Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organization that helps relocate Jews to Israel, saying “these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law,” in a statement from spokesperson Dora Pekec.

Even Hochul, who endorsed the far-left Queens assemblyman for mayor, distanced herself from the incoming mayor’s claim that the synagogue was helping promote illegal activity.

“I do not agree with that assessment,” Hochul told reporters when asked about Mamdani’s statement. “I’m not characterizing his behavior, I’m just simply saying I don’t agree with it,” she added.

She also said she doesn’t believe Mamdani has the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, if he were to come to New York, as the incoming mayor has repeatedly promised.

“No, I do not, and the New York City mayor has not had the power to do that.” Hochul said.

Lasher, who is running for congress in the crowded 12th Congressional District primary, said he was glad Hochul supported protest buffer zones around houses of worship.

“I’m heartened by Governor Hochul’s support for common sense legislation to ensure people can freely come and go from their houses of worship,” he told The Post. “What happened at Park East Synagogue was ugly and unacceptable and can’t become the new normal.”

— Additional reporting by Matthew Fischetti