Gavin Newsom on Israel
TL;DR
Gavin Newsom has recently suggested that Israel is functioning as an apartheid state and warrants a reconsideration of US military partnership.
Key Points
He stated on a podcast that Israel is discussed "appropriately as sort of an apartheid state" in March 2026.
In an earlier interview, he stated he was "crystal clear in my love for Israel, and my condemnation of Bibi" in 2026.
He acknowledged the nationwide rise in Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate coinciding with the start of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023.
Summary
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic Governor of California, recently stated during a book promotion event that Israel is being discussed by some as, "appropriately as sort of an apartheid state." He linked this characterization to the current Israeli leadership and suggested the United States might have no choice but to re-evaluate its military aid to the Jewish state due to the path the leadership is pursuing. This assessment came in the context of discussing the joint US-Israeli military action against Iran and critiques of the Israeli Prime Minister. He previously distinguished his position by stating a clear love for Israel while simultaneously condemning the actions and stance of its current leadership.
His comments reflect a broader shift within the Democratic Party, where support for Israel is becoming increasingly conditional among voters, particularly in light of the war in Gaza and concerns over humanitarian aid. Despite his strong criticism of the current Israeli government's approach, the governor stated in a prior conversation that he did not agree with the characterization of Israel committing genocide in Gaza, though he did deem its military action there as disproportionate. This complex stance shows an evolution from prior, less critical positions, moving towards aligning with a segment of the Democratic base that demands accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gavin Newsom's recent position is highly critical of the current Israeli leadership, with him suggesting that Israel is functioning as an apartheid state. He believes this path necessitates a review of the US military partnership with the country. The governor maintains a distinction between his support for Israel generally and his condemnation of the policies and actions of its current government.
Yes, his position appears to have evolved, particularly towards a more critical stance regarding Israeli policy and the US alliance. This evolution is evidenced by his recent use of the term 'apartheid state' when describing Israel. Previously, he had distanced himself from calling Israel's actions in Gaza genocide, though he did label the military response as disproportionate.
The governor suggested that the current trajectory of the Israeli leadership might leave the United States with no choice but to consider rethinking its military partnership. He linked the conflict with Iran to the current Israeli Prime Minister leveraging domestic issues to engage the US. These remarks were made during a promotional appearance for his memoir in March 2026.