Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, using the occasion to assert his position as a vocal supporter of Israel within the Democratic Party and to criticize the evolving views of some of his colleagues.
During the meeting at Blair House, Netanyahu praised Fetterman for his steadfast support. "You've been a stellar patriot, talking about what is good for America, what is good for our alliance, of which you’ve been a champion," Netanyahu stated, according to a transcript released by his office. He added, "You’ve been telling it like it is, with no fear, and just an indefatigable and courageous commitment to the truth."
Fetterman reciprocated the sentiment, calling the meeting "a supreme honor" and expressing pride in standing "with and for the vision and what Israel is, the miracle that Israel is." The Pennsylvania Democrat has consistently supported Israel, particularly since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, a stance that has placed him at odds with a growing number of progressive Democrats.
Fetterman directly addressed what he described as his party's "increasingly hostile stance toward the US ally," calling it "disappointing." He specifically criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had recently called for Netanyahu's arrest as a "war criminal." Fetterman stated, "I was the only Democrat that was proud to push that trash back. I’m proud to stand with Israel through everything."
The senator indicated he has no intention of altering his position. "I’m proud to remain the conscience of the Democratic Party in Congress," Fetterman declared. He characterized the conflict as "always been a just war for me" and expressed bewilderment at his party's current political trajectory, stating, "I have no regrets."
Netanyahu acknowledged Fetterman's willingness to diverge from his party's mainstream, suggesting that "history will record your contribution to truth and justice." The meeting highlighted Fetterman's political divergence from many within his party, as criticism of Netanyahu's government has become more common following the war in Gaza.