Gavin Newsom Attacks Israel And Trump Amid Middle East War

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing backlash after launching a sweeping attack on Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Donald Trump even suggesting the United States may need to reconsider its military support for the Jewish state.

The remarks came during a public event promoting Newsom’s autobiography, Young Man in a Hurry, where he spoke with former Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor about the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Instead of backing one of America’s closest allies during a regional war, Newsom chose to criticize Israel’s leadership and question the U.S.–Israel partnership that has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy for decades.

The Democratic governor went so far as to repeat the controversial claim that Israel is moving toward becoming an “apartheid state,” echoing rhetoric commonly used by anti-Israel activists.

“The issue of Bibi is interesting,” Newsom said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “He’s got his own domestic issues. He’s trying to stay out of jail. He’s got an election coming up.”

Newsom also cited commentary from a columnist who has frequently criticized Netanyahu, repeating the allegation that Israel’s policies toward Palestinians are pushing the country toward an apartheid system a claim strongly rejected by Israeli officials and many foreign policy experts.

Israel has long defended its policies as necessary security measures in a region where it faces constant threats from terrorist organizations and hostile regimes.

The governor’s criticism did not stop there.

Newsom also implied that President Trump’s decision to authorize military action against Iran may have been driven by Israeli influence.

“When you bring two aircraft carriers out there and you assemble the kind of military force that Trump did over the last few weeks, it didn’t surprise me ultimately that they moved that direction,” Newsom said.

The comments come as the United States and Israel continue their joint military campaign targeting Iranian missile systems, naval assets, and other military infrastructure linked to the regime in Tehran.

The operation was launched after intelligence indicated Iran was rapidly advancing its missile and nuclear capabilities developments widely seen as a direct threat to Israel and U.S. allies in the region.

Despite those concerns, Newsom suggested the United States might need to reconsider its long-standing military assistance to Israel.

“It breaks my heart,” he said. “But the current leadership in Israel is walking us down that path where I don’t think you have a choice but that consideration.”

For decades, bipartisan majorities in Washington have supported strong military cooperation with Israel. The United States provides roughly $3.8 billion annually in security assistance under a long-term agreement designed to help Israel maintain its defensive capabilities in a volatile region.

Israel is also the only democracy in the Middle East and one of America’s most reliable strategic partners in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations, and regional security cooperation.

Newsom’s comments also included accusations of corruption tied to the broader regional conflict.

The governor referenced what he described as “grift” connected to the Trump administration and members of the president’s family, including Donald Trump Jr. and former adviser Jared Kushner.

“All these proxies and all the grift and the corruption that also marks a huge part of this,” Newsom said while discussing the regional war.

Critics argue that the remarks reflect a growing divide within the Democratic Party over support for Israel. While many Democrats in Congress continue to back the U.S.–Israel alliance, progressive activists have increasingly pushed for reduced military assistance and harsher criticism of Israeli policies.

The timing of Newsom’s comments has also raised eyebrows.

The United States and Israel are currently engaged in a major military effort aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile and military capabilities a campaign widely viewed by defense analysts as critical to preventing further escalation across the Middle East.

Even as that effort continues, Newsom’s remarks signal how deeply polarized the debate over Israel and American foreign policy has become inside U.S. politics.

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