Politics

Newsom Questions U.S. Alliance With Israel, Suggests Country Is Becoming an ‘Apartheid State

California Governor Gavin Newsom has sparked controversy after questioning the future of the United States’ alliance with Israel, suggesting that the country’s treatment of Palestinians is leading some observers to describe it as an “apartheid state.”

Newsom made the remarks Tuesday evening during a public forum in Los Angeles promoting his memoir Young Man in a Hurry. The event, which streamed live on his Facebook page, quickly turned toward the growing tensions in the Middle East and the role of the United States in supporting Israel.

The discussion was initiated by Tommy Vietor, co-host of the political podcast Pod Save America, who raised questions about the relationship between the Trump administration and Israeli leadership during recent military strikes on Iran. Vietor suggested that some Democrats have become increasingly uncomfortable with the direction of Israeli politics under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to Vietor, many within the Democratic Party believe the United States should reconsider the depth of its military support for Israel, particularly as Netanyahu’s government moves toward more hardline policies regarding the Palestinian territories.

Responding to the question, Newsom pointed directly to Netanyahu’s political situation, noting that the Israeli leader faces significant domestic pressure. He referenced Netanyahu’s ongoing legal challenges and upcoming elections, suggesting these factors could be influencing his government’s actions.

“The issue of Bibi is complicated,” Newsom said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. “He’s dealing with legal troubles, a difficult political landscape, and a powerful group within his government pushing for the annexation of the West Bank.”

Newsom also noted that some commentators and analysts have increasingly used the term “apartheid state” to describe Israel’s policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. While he stopped short of making the label his own, he acknowledged that the debate is growing inside U.S. political circles.

During the discussion, co-host Jon Favreau asked Newsom whether the United States should eventually reconsider its military assistance to Israel if the situation continues in its current direction.

The governor responded cautiously but suggested that such discussions may become unavoidable if the political trajectory in Israel does not change.

“It breaks my heart,” Newsom said. “But the current leadership in Israel may be pushing us toward a point where that kind of conversation becomes necessary.”

Newsom’s comments come at a time when tensions in the Middle East are escalating and debates within the Democratic Party over U.S. foreign policy are intensifying.

Many analysts see the governor’s remarks as part of a broader effort to position himself ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Newsom, who is serving his second term as California’s governor, will leave office in January 2027 due to term limits.

As the political landscape in the United States evolves, discussions surrounding Washington’s relationship with Israel — particularly military and strategic support — are likely to remain a major topic within both domestic politics and international diplomacy.