In a striking and politically charged statement, California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has likened Israel to "an apartheid state," delivering sharp criticism of the country's joint military campaign with the United States against Iran. The comments were made during a public appearance in Los Angeles on Tuesday, where Newsom was promoting his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery.
Newsom's Controversial Remarks on Israel and Iran
When asked by event moderator Jon Favreau, host of the Pod Save America podcast, whether the US should reconsider its military partnership with Israel, Newsom expressed deep concern. "It breaks my heart, because the current leadership in Israel is walking us down that path, where I don't think you have a choice about that consideration," he stated. The governor, widely seen as a frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, elaborated on the geopolitical tensions, highlighting the regional war involving proxies and issues of corruption.
Context and Criticism of Netanyahu
Newsom specifically referenced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known as Bibi, citing an opinion piece by New York Times writer Thomas Friedman. Friedman argued that the war could bolster Netanyahu's election prospects, potentially fueling extremism in Israel against US interests. "The issue of Bibi is interesting because he's got his own domestic issues," Newsom remarked. "He's trying to stay out of jail. He's got an election coming up. He's potentially on the ropes. He's got folks on the hardline that want to annex the West Bank. Friedman and others are talking about it appropriately, [as] sort of an apartheid state."
Broader Critique of US Foreign Policy
This is not the first instance of Newsom voicing disapproval of Netanyahu or former President Donald Trump's decision to ally with Israel in attacking Iran. During his book tour, he has consistently condemned these actions. On Saturday, Newsom accused Trump of "doubling down on stupid" in a State of the Union address, asserting that Trump's push for military engagement in Iran stemmed from "weakness masquerading as strength."
Nuanced Stance on Israel and Gaza
Despite his harsh words, Newsom has attempted to balance his criticism with expressions of support for Israel. In a January discussion with conservative podcaster Ben Shapiro, he clarified, "I am crystal clear in my love for Israel, and my condemnation of Bibi, and there's a distinction." He acknowledged that images from Israel's war in Gaza might lead some to accuse Israel of genocide, though he does not share that view. However, he described Israel's military actions as "disproportionate" and expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's handling of the war and rhetoric towards Palestinians.
The governor's comments have sparked significant debate, reflecting the complex and often contentious nature of US-Israel relations and foreign policy decisions in the Middle East. As Newsom continues his book promotion, his remarks are likely to influence political discourse ahead of potential future campaigns.
