March 4, 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom's recent comments about Israel were confusing and problematic at a critical moment, as the United States, Israel, and their regional partners confront significant threats from the Iranian regime. If the Governor intended to express concern about proposals to annex parts of the West Bank, that debate requires precision. Invoking the term "apartheid" is wrong and inflammatory, does not reflect the complex realities on the ground, and only risks inflaming tensions. Policy disagreements between Israeli and U.S. leaders should not undermine the enduring importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, grounded in shared values and strategic interests.