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Newsom Defends Stance on Israel Amid AIPAC Controversy

2/26/2026

Center

Newsom Distances AIPAC

Gavin Newsom, California Governor, distanced himself from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) after interview, saying he has never accepted their support.
Critics note hesitance to address the group's influence.
Some progressives accuse him of catering to AIPAC donors.
He signed antisemitism legislation amid pro-Palestinian protests and expressed a nuanced view of Israel, acknowledging dehumanization concerns while affirming support.
Polling indicates he remains a leading Democratic presidential candidate.

Right

Fatah Defends Hamas

The Palestinian Authority's Fatah party has rejected US demands for Hamas disarmament, stating that Hamas is not a terrorist organization.
Senior official Azzam al-Ahmad highlighted Hamas's importance in Palestinian society and criticized US pressure as "unacceptable."
The US Embassy in Israel will start offering consular services in Israeli settlements, a significant shift in US policy that Hamas condemned as a recognition of Israeli occupation.
The Knesset has advanced a bill to enhance Orthodox control over the Western Wall, limiting Supreme Court intervention and strengthening the Chief Rabbinate's authority.

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Newsom Distances AIPAC

Gavin Newsom, California Governor, distanced himself from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) after interview, saying he has never accepted their support.
Critics note hesitance to address the group's influence.
Some progressives accuse him of catering to AIPAC donors.
He signed antisemitism legislation amid pro-Palestinian protests and expressed a nuanced view of Israel, acknowledging dehumanization concerns while affirming support.
Polling indicates he remains a leading Democratic presidential candidate.

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