By George Omagbemi Sylvester
California Governor Gavin Newsom has delivered unusually sharp criticism of Israel’s leadership and publicly suggested that the United States should reconsider its longstanding military support for the country, describing the situation in terms that have ignited debate across U.S. and international political circles.
Speaking on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, during an interview with the hosts of the “Pod Save America” podcast while promoting his memoir, Newsom said it was “appropriate” that some commentators describe Israel as an “apartheid state” in light of current developments under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. He added that Netanyahu’s domestic political challenges — including legal troubles and hard‑line pressures over the West Bank — are eroding traditional U.S.–Israel relations and could force Washington to rethink its security commitments.
Newsom, widely regarded as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, also expressed concern that the repeated military actions involving Israel and its allies, including the U.S. strike campaign against Iran, are diverting American foreign policy and public support into increasingly controversial territory. He framed his remarks as a reluctant yet necessary debate about U.S. foreign policy priorities, even as his comments drew criticism from pro‑Israel advocacy groups.
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