A Shift in Democratic Party Stance
California Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that the Democratic Party is “overwhelmingly” opposed to the current Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with PBS News Hour, the 2028 presidential hopeful emphasized that while the party remains unified in its condemnation of the October 7 Hamas attacks, there is a broad consensus that Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza constitutes a “moral catastrophe.”
Newsom noted that the criticism of the Israeli Prime Minister has become “almost universal” within his party. Addressing concerns about internal divisions, he argued that the disagreement is not about the core principles of US-Israel relations but rather a reaction to the current Israeli regime’s policies. “There’s not controversy within the party on that,” Newsom remarked, though he acknowledged that some rhetoric from individual candidates remains a “spectrum of concern.”
Policy Goals and Financial Shifts
Central to Newsom’s comments is a push for a two-state solution. He reiterated his support for a “secure democratic Palestinian state” situated alongside a “democratic and secure” Israel. This vision, he suggested, is a mainstream position within the party, despite Netanyahu’s vocal opposition to such an arrangement.
The Governor also highlighted a notable shift in campaign finance. According to Newsom, a growing number of Democrats are pledging to reject donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). “The vast majority of Democrats I talk to, even Democrats that in the past have taken AIPAC money, are pledging not to now,” he said, framing this as a new mainstream standard within the party.
Context of Diplomatic Isolation
Newsom’s remarks coincide with increasing international scrutiny of the Israeli government. Recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank have prompted internal criticism from Israeli opposition figures. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid accused the current government of leading Israel into “unprecedented diplomatic isolation,” while Knesset member Gilad Kariv described Netanyahu as politically “leprous” on the global stage. These measures, supported by a coalition of twelve nations including France, Canada, and Ireland, reflect a growing international move to differentiate between the state of Israel and its ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories.