Gavin Newsom has long been a strong supporter of Israel. In 2024, he underlined that “California stands with Israel” and went on an official visit to the country in 2003. Now it seems that rosy opinion may be changing.
With public opinion on Israel cratering in the wake of the Gaza Genocide and the perception that Benjamin Netanyahu has dragged the United States into a costly and destructive war with Iran, being an unapologetically pro-Israel politician is a liability.
Now, in something of a surprise development for a centrist Democrat with national ambitions, Newsom has not only taken a firm stance against Israel, but said the close partnership between the US and Israel may have to be severed in the coming years.
Newsom likens Israel to ‘apartheid state,’ questions future military support https://t.co/KlrudeO0V2
— POLITICO (@politico) March 4, 2026
Newsom was asked whether the US needs to consider “rethinking our military support for Israel” and responded:
“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 also strongly criticized Benjamin Netanyahu, saying:
“He’s got his own domestic issues. 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, the hard line, that want to annex the West Bank”.
He then went on to discuss the current state of Israel, saying many “are talking about it appropriately as sort of an apartheid state.”
Avoiding another Kamala Harris debacle
Strong words for a man with presidential ambitions in the not-too-distant future. It’s worth remembering that one of the major factors in Kamala Harris’ humiliating defeat was Israel/Palestine. Progressive Democrats and Muslim voters were left disgusted by her refusal to condemn Israel or commit to any policies that might limit the supply of bombs to them.
Newsom is clearly trying to avoid these pitfalls, which include underlining that he is not being paid by Israeli lobbying group AIPAC. He was asked in late February whether he’d ever accept their money, replying: “Never have and never will.”
It remains to be seen whether these opinions will survive contact with a presidential run. Newsom hasn’t officially confirmed he’s running in 2028, but has admitted he’s seriously considering it. In Oct. 2025, he said he’d announce one way or other depending on how the November midterms go, so watch this space.
