politics
Fetterman Says He Would Leave Democrats Only If Party Becomes Anti-Israel; 103 House Democrats Voted to Cut Aid
Pennsylvania senator tied any potential exit to one condition during a July 16 appearance. The comments coincided with a House vote on cutting military aid to Israel that drew support from 103 Democrats.
Jul 16, 12:59 PM·1m read7 sources
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Senator John Fetterman said on July 16 he would leave the Democratic Party if it formally became the anti-Israel party. He spoke at The Hill Nation Summit the same day the House rejected a measure to block $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel. Fetterman described the condition as a matter of moral clarity.
"If our party ever becomes, and just make it official, as the anti-Israel party ... that's when I would leave because that's a bit of moral clarity for me," he said. He added that he has no plans to switch parties in the near term and has rejected past Republican overtures.
The Pennsylvania senator also addressed the possibility of Democrats gaining Senate seats. "And if we flip those four seats, then I would be 51, and ... Watch what I do," he said. The House measure, sponsored by Rep.
Thomas Massie, failed. One hundred three Democrats voted for it, including House Minority Whip Katherine Clark. Fetterman has consistently opposed efforts to restrict aid to Israel during the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
