Newsom Surprises with Announcement of Trip to Israel

Governor announces last minute trip to Israel, China amid conflict

California Governor Gavin Newsom announces surprise trip to Israel ahead of his planned visit to China. His visit follows recent ones by President Joe Biden, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and a congressional delegation amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Newsom's trip to China is climate-focused and coordinated by the White House, occurring in a period of heightened tensions between China and the U.S.
Senator Ted Cruz calls for unflinching American support for Israel, insisting on 'no moral equivalence' between Israel and Hamas. Cruz also urges the Biden administration to cut off funding to Iran after reports that it assisted Hamas in planning an attack on Israel.
President Biden's nominee for ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, pledges to ensure that Israel has the resources it needs for self-defence. Despite Republican opposition due to Lew's involvement in the Iran nuclear deal, his confirmation is expected next week.
Jehad Mheisen, the commander of the Hamas-led National Security Forces in Gaza, is reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike along with his family. The Israeli Defense Forces has yet to comment on the reported death.