Newsom Says He Regrets Remarks Comparing Israel to ‘Apartheid State’
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California Governor Newsom said he regrets remarks comparing Israel to an 'apartheid state,' clarifying he meant future direction.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom walked back previous remarks comparing Israel to an "apartheid state," saying he regretted the characterization and clarifying he was referring to a potential future direction rather than current Israeli policy. Newsom stated "I revere the state of Israel," signaling an effort to distance himself from language that drew criticism from pro-Israel advocates. The clarification comes amid ongoing Democratic tensions over rhetoric surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a debate that has fractured the party's base since the October 2023 Hamas attacks and subsequent war in Gaza. Newsom's retraction suggests sensitivity to backlash from within his own party's pro-Israel wing, particularly relevant given his national political profile and potential future ambitions. The incident underscores divisions within Democratic circles over how harshly to criticize Israeli government policies without alienating key constituencies.
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