(KMJ) Governor Gavin Newsom is walking back controversial comments he made earlier this month, when he referred to Israel as an “apartheid state.”
In a new interview with Politico, published Tuesday, Newsom said he does regret the remark. But he also clarified that his criticism was aimed specifically at the direction he believes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is taking the country — not Israel itself.
Newsom emphasized that he remains strongly supportive of Israel. When asked directly if he considers himself a Zionist, he said he “reveres” the state of Israel and is proud to support it.
The comments come as Newsom continues his national book tour for his new memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, and as questions about his foreign‑policy positions draw increasing attention.
