Context:

California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed regret for likening Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid, clarifying that the term fits only in the context of a potential direction under Netanyahu toward territorial expansion. He cited a February New York Times piece and warned that the word may be used by others if hardline moves continue. The remarks came amid broader Democratic distancing from Israel over Gaza operations, with Newsom positioning himself as a prominent 2028 candidate who opposes Netanyahu’s leadership and the expansionist approach in the West Bank. The exchange also touched on Newsom’s nuanced stance as a Zionist who supports Israel while criticizing its current leadership and policy trajectory. The discussion highlights ongoing tensions within U.S. political debate about Israel and its future governance and prospects for a two-state solution.

Dive Deeper:

• Newsom acknowledged regretting the use of apartheid to describe Israel, but said the term could be used by others when discussing potential policy directions.

• He pointed to a February New York Times column by Thomas Friedman, which described the risk of apartheid-like conditions if current trends toward full control and annexation continue.

• During a wide-ranging interview, Newsom stated he reveres and supports the state of Israel while opposing Netanyahu’s leadership and the far-right influence on West Bank policies.

• The remarks surfaced in the context of backlash to Israel’s Gaza operations and a broader Democratic realignment away from some Israeli government allies.

• Newsom is viewed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, adding significance to his comments on Israel and the two-state solution.

• The interview included a rapid-fire segment where Newsom asserted pride in supporting Israel but stressed disagreement with its current path under Netanyahu, particularly regarding territorial stances.