Gov. Gavin Newsom Visits Israel

Governor Gavin Newsom travelled to Israel on Friday, spending part of the day in the country visiting victims of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War before moving on with his previously announced trip to China.

Newsom’s trip to Israel was a last minute addition to his trip to China, which had been in the works for months. Little was known about Newsom’s quick trip to Israel, other than a Twitter statement made by him saying that he would be visiting victims of the war and a press statement from his office confirming the new itinerary.

I’m on my way to Israel.

I’ll be meeting with those impacted by the horrific terrorist attacks and offering California’s support.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 19, 2023

Even before landing, Newsom’s visit was divisive. Many saw his Israeli trip as important, as humanitarian, and as a way to show Israel support from the U.S. and California. However, others charged it as being nothing more as a publicity stunt and unnecessary as he isn’t a head of state, with President Joe Biden visiting the country earlier this week.

Despite the mixed reception, Newsom landed in Israel early on Friday. There, Newsom met Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen in Tel Aviv, stating support for Israel and stressing the need for safety and security for all civilians both in Gaza and Israel. Following that, Newsom went to the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov Hospital where he met with several wounded Israeli soldiers.

Newsom also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, giving his condolences to victims as well as discussing California and Israel’s economic relationship. This was followed up with another meeting, this time with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in Tel Aviv. Finally, before leaving the country, Newsom met with Californians Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, whose son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, is currently being held by Hamas.

Newsom Tweeted about his trip before leaving, saying that “Today, I met with a Californian who was shot during a missile and grenade attack. She covered herself among dead people to survive. After hours of endless terror, she was rescued and transported to a hospital. What the Israeli people have experienced is nothing short of barbaric terrorism. But what I heard and saw today was so much more than that. It was a profound sense of resilience. My heart is heavy for every innocent person experiencing excruciating loss. As we pray for peace, CA will be sending much needed medical supplies to the region.”

Today, I met with a Californian who was shot during a missile and grenade attack.

She covered herself among dead people to survive.

After hours of endless terror, she was rescued and transported to a hospital.

What the Israeli people have experienced is nothing short of… pic.twitter.com/3EeBTqdGau

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 20, 2023

This was followed up by a larger statement provided by his office.

“The State of California is working to ship medical supplies to support humanitarian relief efforts in Israel and Gaza,” added Newsom in a later statement. “As I reflect back on the extraordinary people I just met today in Israel, I am reminded of the deep connections between my home state and this country. A country that has faced many dark times before, and certainly is in one now.

“But amid this present struggle against terrorists are stories of unimaginable heroism — and unspeakable tragedy. I listened to the grief and terror in a mother’s voice as she spoke about her son — a Californian right now being held hostage in Gaza — whose arm was blown off by a terrorist’s grenade. I hugged a girl — another Californian, born in Los Angeles — who was shot in the leg by Hamas and left for dead, in truly horrific conditions. I grieved with families in mourning, I met with young soldiers fresh from bomb shelters and battlefields, and I sat with leaders who bear the responsibility of response to it all.

“Despite the horror, what I saw and heard from the people of Israel was a profound sense of resilience. A commitment to community and common purpose, especially in these most difficult of times. That’s the Israeli spirit. And it’s also the California spirit. We are bound by more than those who live one place or another, or who have family here or there. My heart is heavy for all innocent people under the crushing pressure of loss and grief, no matter which side of fence they quite literally find themselves on.

“So as I prepare to leave, I share these words: may the memory of those who perished be a blessing to the whole world.”

Reaction to his trip has so far been much like his initial announcement – divisive. Newsom has received praise for many on how he handled the short Israeli trip. In particular, meeting with Californian victims of the attack in Israel, was called compassionate and within line of his duties as Governor. However, others also pointed out that Newsom’s meeting with top Israeli officials, such as Netanyahu, were not needed. Others also pointed out that those parts of the trips continued to heavily hint at Newsom’s desire for higher office, with the trip being little more than excuse to boost his national and international profile.

“Newsom meeting with a Californian hurt in the attack and grieving Californian parents of someone kidnapped? That was honestly good on him,” said Gus Peterson, a consultant who has helped plan international visits by prominent U.S. citizens in the past. “It fit his role as Governor, although the same could have been done with a phone call. Nonetheless it was a powerful moment and seemed to genuinely help. Newsom also further saying Israel has California’s back. A little odd coming from a state, but again, comforting.

“But Newsom meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu right during the middle of a war in Tel Aviv? Was that necessary? Or meeting with other leaders there? That could have easily been done with a phone call or official letter. Israel is a country, so meeting with international leaders like that should really fall on the White House or Department of State.

“It was obvious what Newsom was up to. He had cameras on him wherever he went. If this had been a quiet visit, and him meeting victims on the way to China only coming out after the fact, that would have been more powerful and humbling. It also would have been more genuine. While the visits were still powerful, they also seemed canned in a way. Every photo released by his office has him being the focus, with only one photo actually showing the face of the victim.

“Newsom’s visit with the parents was more private, and that was appropriate. And his meeting with Netanyahu was private, although that was more due to security reasons. Everything else was bound by publicity. It’s still a bit early for full reactions, and getting an Israeli perspective would be great. But right now, from what we have, the trip did have some genuine good points, but like we all feared, it screamed more of being a publicity stunt. If this had been a quiet visit, it would have been way more powerful and genuine.”

Newsom is to arrive in China on Saturday.