California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed regret Tuesday for likening Israel to an "apartheid state," clarifying the remark referred to a potential future path under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rather than the present reality.

In an interview with Politico published Tuesday, Newsom told reporter Jonathan Martin, "I do in this context." He explained that he had referenced a recent New York Times column by Thomas Friedman, who used the term in discussing the direction Netanyahu and Israel's far-right were pursuing, particularly full annexation of the West Bank. "Not the current state?" Martin asked. "Correct," Newsom replied, adding that such a trajectory represented "a legitimate concern I have." He warned that if Netanyahu's vision prevailed, "that’s a word you may hear others use."

Newsom reiterated his support for Israel, stating, "Do I consider myself Zionist? I revere the state of Israel. I’m proud to support the state of Israel." He drew a sharp distinction with Netanyahu, saying he "deeply, deeply oppose[s] 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."

The clarification follows Newsom's original comments on March 4 during a book tour stop in Los Angeles at a Pod Save America event hosted by Jon Favreau to promote his new memoir. There, responding to a question about future U.S. military support for Israel, Newsom said the current leadership was "walking us down that path" where such aid might need reconsideration. He criticized Netanyahu's domestic pressures, efforts to avoid jail, an upcoming election, and hardline pushes for West Bank annexation, noting that "Friedman and others are talking about it appropriately, as sort of an apartheid state."

Those remarks drew swift backlash from pro-Israel groups. The Israeli-American Civic Action Network accused Newsom of advancing "narratives advanced by America’s enemies over the facts." California Jewish organizations expressed disappointment, with one stating, "This isn’t the Governor Newsom that we know." Pro-Israel Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. John Fetterman, also criticized the characterization.

Newsom's statements come amid ongoing Middle East tensions, including Israel's war in Gaza and recent U.S.-backed strikes on Iran. Public opinion in the U.S. has shifted, with a February Gallup poll showing more Americans sympathizing with Palestinians than Israelis for the first time. As a term-limited governor eyed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, Newsom's evolving rhetoric highlights divisions within the Democratic Party on Israel policy.

Despite the regret, Newsom maintained his concerns about Netanyahu's policies, framing them as a risk to Israel's democratic character and U.S. alliance.