Fetterman Criticizes Democratic Party’s Stance on Israel

Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, expressed concerns about his party’s current direction, suggesting that the Democratic Party’s “big tent” philosophy has become more welcoming to those who criticize America than to pro-Israel Democrats. This comment arose during Fetterman’s appearance at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin.

Fetterman was responding to a question from CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett regarding circumstances under which he might leave the Democratic Party. Fetterman stated, “It’s easier to be included in that big tent to say ‘America deserved 9/11’ or America is ‘worse than Al-Qaeda’ than being very proud to stand on the side of Israel.” His comments reflect his dissatisfaction with the party’s perceived growing anti-Israel sentiment.

“More and more members of my caucus are becoming more and more anti-Israel,” Fetterman added.

Fetterman referenced the controversy surrounding Hasan Piker, a streamer who, in 2019, remarked during a livestream that America “deserved 9/11,” a statement he later clarified as non-literal. Fetterman used Piker’s popularity as an example of where political energy within the left might be heading.

The shift in attitudes towards Israel among Democratic voters is underscored by a Pew Research Center survey from March, which revealed that 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents viewed Israel unfavorably, an increase from 53% in 2022.

“If America stops supporting Israel or turns their back on Israel, that must mean we don’t even believe in ourselves anymore,” Fetterman cautioned. He emphasized the importance of Israel as an ally sharing similar values.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin responded to this tension, maintaining the Democratic Party’s “big tent” nature while distancing the party from Piker’s remarks. Martin stated, “Let me just say that I think it’s absolutely disgusting and deplorable the things that Hasan Piker has said, but he does not represent the Democratic Party.”

Fetterman also mentioned resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders opposing military assistance to Israel. In April, a significant number of Senate Democrats voted against arms sales to Israel, reflecting the shifting views within the party.

Fetterman highlighted the significance of the Iron Dome as an example of essential defensive support for Israel, diverging from other military assistance opposed by some Democrats.

Fetterman indicated that if the Democratic Party officially adopts an anti-Israel stance, it could be a decisive factor in his continued membership.