California Governor Gavin Newsom has walked back comments he made describing Israel as an apartheid state, saying he regrets the characterization. In a new interview with Politico, Newsom clarified that he was referring to potential future policies under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rather than current Israeli governance.

Newsom's initial remarks came during a recent memoir promotion, where he suggested the United States should reconsider military support for Israel. He specifically referenced a New York Times column by Thomas Friedman warning that Netanyahu's potential re-election could lead to West Bank annexation and policies resembling apartheid. The governor emphasized his longstanding support for Israel while criticizing Netanyahu's leadership.

The controversy highlights growing divisions within the Democratic Party over U.S.-Israel relations. While Newsom maintains support for Israel's existence, he has increasingly criticized the right-wing government and refused donations from pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC. Jewish organizations had urged him to clarify his earlier statements.