California Governor Gavin Newsom described Israel as an "apartheid state" during a Tuesday appearance in Los Angeles to promote his memoir "Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery," suggesting the United States should reconsider its military partnership with the country.

The Democratic governor made the comments during an interview on the "Pod Save America" podcast, where he was asked whether the U.S. should rethink its relationship with Israel following recent military actions against Iran. Newsom's remarks come as he is widely considered a potential frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

The comments have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with some characterizing them as antisemitic and others viewing them as reflective of shifting attitudes within the Democratic Party toward Israel. Critics have seized on the remarks as part of a broader pattern of controversial statements from the governor.

Newsom has faced other political challenges recently, including criticism over California's homelessness policies. Some opponents have accused him of deflecting responsibility for the state's problems by placing blame on county-level officials rather than taking ownership of statewide initiatives.

Separately, the governor recently announced inductees for the California Hall of Fame, including former Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was initially omitted from consideration. The governor has also faced pressure from the energy sector, with Chevron warning in a letter that proposed regulations could threaten the viability of California's remaining oil refineries.