California Governor Gavin Newsom stated Tuesday night that it is appropriate to describe Israel as "sort of an apartheid state" amid criticisms of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. He also indicated that the current Israeli government is forcing the United States to reconsider its military support for the ally.

Newsom made the remarks during an event in Los Angeles promoting his new memoir, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery. He was interviewed by Pod Save America host Jon Favreau, who asked whether the U.S. should rethink its military support for Israel. "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," Newsom replied.

The governor criticized Netanyahu for facing domestic issues, including efforts to avoid jail amid corruption cases, an upcoming election in October, and pressure from hardline allies pushing to annex the West Bank. "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," Newsom said. He added that New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and others are discussing Israel "appropriately as sort of an apartheid state."

Newsom also questioned Israel's military operations, noting that after two years, the country has not resolved the threat from Hamas. His comments come amid ongoing conflicts, including devastation in Gaza and a recent U.S.-backed Israeli campaign against Iran that began with the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei over the weekend.

Previously, Newsom has expressed support for Israel. He visited the country less than two weeks after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks, meeting with officials, including Netanyahu. Earlier this year, he described himself as having "crystal clear" love for Israel while condemning Netanyahu specifically. Newsom has emphasized that he has not received campaign donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and highlighted ties between California and Israel.

The statements represent Newsom's effort to address divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel, an issue that played a role in the 2024 presidential election. As a likely 2028 presidential contender, the governor is navigating shifting views among Democrats on U.S. support for Israel.