WASHINGTON — Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania continues to nurture an unexpected camaraderie with Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, a connection that remains robust.
Breaking ranks with many members of his own party once more, the Democratic senator expressed his admiration for Netanyahu during a direct conversation on Wednesday.
“You’ve been a model patriot, advocating tirelessly for what’s beneficial to America and the strength of our alliance, something at which you’ve excelled,” Netanyahu commended Fetterman, as reported by a transcript from the Prime Minister’s office.
“Your straightforwardness, coupled with a fearless and tireless dedication to truth, sets a remarkable example,” Netanyahu added.
Fetterman, who has consistently sided with Israel and stood against the progressive faction since the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, reciprocated the sentiments of respect.
“Mr. Prime Minister, it was a supreme honor of my time here in the Senate,” Fetterman said. “I’m proud to stand with and for the vision and what Israel is, the miracle that Israel is.”
The senator also blasted fellow Democrats over what he called the party’s increasingly hostile stance toward the US ally.
“It’s been disappointing, as a Democratic politician, how our party continues to behave,” said Fetterman, taking a swipe at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his recent address calling for Netanyahu’s arrest as a “war criminal.”
“Now I think, as far as I know, I was the only Democrat that was proud to push that trash back,” the senator added. “I’m proud to stand with Israel through everything.”
The meeting underscored Fetterman’s growing political isolation inside a Democratic Party where criticism of Netanyahu’s government has become increasingly popular since the war in Gaza.
Netanyahu praised the senator’s willingness to stand apart from his colleagues, telling him that “history will record your contribution to truth and justice.”
Fetterman, for his part, said he has no intention of changing course.
“I’m proud to remain the conscience of the Democratic Party in Congress,” he said.
“It’s always been a just war for me,” Fetterman continued. “I don’t understand how we’ve arrived with where we are politically, at least in my party, but I have no regrets.”