Governor Newsom Backtracks on 'Apartheid' Description of Israel
California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly expressed regret for using the term "apartheid state" in reference to Israel during a recent interview with Politico. The Democratic governor, widely anticipated to launch a presidential campaign in 2028, clarified that his original remarks were intended to describe a potential future scenario rather than Israel's current situation.
Clarification of Controversial Terminology
When asked directly if he regretted using the term, Newsom responded affirmatively, stating: "I do in this context. I said it, and I referenced why I used it – a Tom Friedman article – in that same sentence where Tom used it in the context of the direction that Bibi is going." The governor emphasized that he does not believe the apartheid label applies to Israel's present circumstances, but rather represents a concern about where the country might be headed under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.
Newsom elaborated further, explaining: "And that is a legitimate concern I have, that I share with Tom – that that direction, if that vision and that direction of the far right that Bibi is indulging, that if they see the full annexation of the West Bank, then that's not something – that's a word you may hear others use."
Original Remarks and Immediate Backlash
The governor's initial comments came during a book tour event with Pod Save America's Jon Favreau three weeks prior to the Politico interview. At that time, Newsom had stated of Netanyahu: "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."
These remarks sparked immediate criticism from pro-Israel organizations and fellow Democrats. The Israeli-American Civic Action Network accused Newsom of pursuing "narratives advanced by America's enemies over the facts," while an umbrella organization representing California Jewish community groups expressed disappointment, stating "this isn't the Governor Newsom that we know." Other prominent pro-Israel Democrats including Josh Shapiro and John Fetterman also weighed in on the controversy.
Newsom's Position on Israel and Zionism
When questioned about whether he considers himself a Zionist, Newsom offered an indirect response, stating: "I revere the state of Israel. I'm proud to support the state of Israel. I deeply, deeply oppose Bibi Netanyahu's leadership, his opposition to the two-state solution and deeply oppose how he is indulging the far right as it relates to what's going on in the West Bank."
Broader Context of Shifting American Perspectives
Newsom's comments emerge against a backdrop of evolving American public opinion regarding Israel. Recent geopolitical developments including Israel's war in Gaza and broader Middle East tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran have contributed to changing attitudes. According to a February Gallup poll, 41% of Americans now express greater sympathy for Palestinians than Israelis in the Middle East conflict, marking a significant shift from historical trends where Americans typically showed stronger support for Israel.
This changing landscape coincides with increasing adoption of the apartheid label by various international human rights organizations and legal scholars who apply the term to describe aspects of Israel's political and legal systems. The controversy surrounding Newsom's remarks highlights the delicate balance American politicians must maintain when discussing Middle East policy, particularly as domestic opinions continue to evolve on this complex international issue.
