Following President Biden’s footsteps is Gavin Newsom, the 40th governor of California who visited Israel on Friday.
Newsom notified his travel plan through a tweet on Thursday, showing his support to victims affected by the attack from Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog took to X, formerly twitter saying, “I thank you Governor of California @GavinNewsom for your solidarity visit to Israel today.” The tweet was accompanied by a photo of the two, “We will never forget the true friends of the State of Israel - those who chose to stand with us in our difficult times.”
As reported by Politico, “The Governor adjusted his planned international trip and will briefly visit Israel ahead of going to China,” spokesperson Erin Mellon said in a statement. His visit comes after New York Governor Hocul’s trip to Israel on Wednesday, offering solidarity and support.
Newsom shared some photos from his visit to his social media account saying, “My heart is heavy for every innocent person experiencing excruciating loss.” The post also stated, “CA will be sending much needed medical supplies to the region.”
“Newsom’s effort is of course political as he has national election ambitions and is lacking serious foreign policy credentials. At the same time, it’s not unusual for a governor of any populous or globally influential state to show support for a nation during a time of conflict” said Christina Bellantoni, director of USC Annenberg’s Media Center who specializes in politics.
On Wednesday, the governor authorized immediate expansion of funds to bolster safety and security at religious institutions in California amid the ongoing conflict.
The state will also be sending medical aid and supplies to the region, including Gaza, where Israel has launched a “complete siege” and cut off supplies of food, power and water, Newsom’s office said.
“California is one of the largest economies in the world and has a diverse population reflecting the many communities suffering in the Middle East” Bellantoni added.
California is the second largest home to the Jewish population in the U.S. according to the Jewish Virtual Library, and the state with the most Arab American population in the country, as per Arab American Institute.
Newsom is scheduled to visit China on Monday, for a week-long trip discussing climate action and partnership between two of the world’s largest economies. The seven-day visit starting in Hong Kong includes stops in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and the province of Jiangsu.