AP Photo/José Luis Villegas, File
Amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced on Thursday he is heading to Israel to offer “California’s support” for the nation.
Newsom has repeatedly denied he plans on running against President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination and has no aspiration currently for the White House. However, outside of Biden, some political analysis rank Newsom as one of the top Democratic contenders for the Oval Office in the upcoming election cycle.
As Israel continues to fight Hamas after facing a series of deadly attacks earlier this month, the California Democrat announced his Middle Eastern trip just before he is set to visit China.
“I’m on my way to Israel. I’ll be meeting with those impacted by the horrific terrorist attacks and offering California’s support,” Newsom wrote on his official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Thursday morning.
Newsom’s office claims he plans on travelling to China next week to meet with important business representatives of the country and
The governor also plans on addressing the issue of combating xenophobia and helping to advance tourism between and California. His aides have refused to state where Newsom will visit in Israel, citing security concerns.
For the last two weeks, Israel has been engaged in an active war with Hamas for attacks levied in Southern Israel, which has resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, including civilians and children. Israel has responded by cutting off power and water access to Gaza as well striking key Hamas targets with precision airstrikes.