politics
Senator John Fetterman Says He Would Leave Democrats if Party Became Anti-Israel
Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman stated he would consider leaving the Democratic Party if it became the anti-Israel party. His remarks followed a House vote where more than 100 Democrats supported a measure to halt military aid to Israel.
Jul 16, 12:59 PM·1m read5 sources
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Senator John Fetterman said he would consider leaving the Democratic Party if it ever became the anti-Israel party. The comments came Wednesday at The Hill Nation Summit, the same day the House voted on a measure to prevent the State Department from funding Israel.
Fetterman has positioned himself as one of the party's most vocal supporters of Israel. He spoke as more than 100 House Democrats backed the unsuccessful effort to cut military aid over Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Fetterman stated he has no plans to leave the Democratic caucus in the near term. He tied any potential departure to one specific condition.
“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 added that he is never changing parties except for that one condition.
Thomas Massie, failed.
More than 100 House Democrats and Minority Whip Katherine Clark voted for it. Fetterman also addressed the possibility of Democrats regaining Senate control. "And if we flip those four seats, then I would be 51, and ... Watch what I do," he said. The comments reflect ongoing divisions within the party over support for Israel amid the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
