New York governor dodges questions on who paid for her trip to wartime Israel

By MAYSOON KHAN and ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE
Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is refusing to disclose who paid for her to travel to wartime Israel last week for a self-described solidarity mission. Her office said the trip is still awaiting clearance from a state ethics board. The Democratic governor and a handful of staff and state police were in Israel between Oct. 18 and Oct. 20. She met with government officials and families displaced by the conflict, while touring various parts of the country. Her office has only said a nonprofit pledged to cover the costs. But officials have not disclosed the nonprofit’s name. As governor, Hochul has no direct role in diplomatic affairs.