Fetterman threatens to quit Dems over anti-Israel shift
Senator John Fetterman says he would leave the Democratic Party if it officially becomes anti-Israel, citing concerns about progressive candidates and declining support for Israel among Democrats.
The Pennsylvania Democrat made the striking declaration during an appearance at the Hill Nation Summit in Washington on Wednesday, according to Emily Hallas writing in Washington Examiner. Known for bucking his party’s increasingly progressive wing on issues ranging from immigration to foreign policy, Fetterman has repeatedly dismissed speculation about switching parties but now acknowledges circumstances that could force his hand.
My long-term concern has been with the Democratic Party, Fetterman stated, explaining that if the party officially becomes the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave because that’s been a moral clarity for me.
The senator confirmed he has fielded approaches from Republicans about leaving the Democratic Party, though he declined to discuss what he termed private conversations. A former colleague has also urged him to become an independent.
Fetterman pointed to what he views as a troubling anti-Israel drift within Democratic ranks. He specifically cited House Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, who broke with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York by supporting a measure to end all defensive funding aid to Israel.
The Pennsylvania senator expressed particular alarm over the rise of progressive and openly socialist candidates winning Democratic primaries. He singled out Abdul el Sayed, who is polling strongly ahead of Michigan’s August 4 Democratic Senate primary. El Sayed has drawn controversy for refusing to disavow Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who stated in April that he would vote for Hamas over Israel every single time. Piker has been actively campaigning for el Sayed.
Fetterman criticized Democratic colleagues he believes are pandering to the party’s intensely anti-Israel base, warning the party is reverting to its worst impulses from 2024 that cost them electorally.
He also raised concerns about several socialists who won New York House primary races in June, including Darializa Avila Chevalier, a self-described prison abolitionist who opposes all deportations from the United States and has refused to confirm whether she believes Israel should continue to exist.
The senator lamented that Democrats appear to have forgotten the damage caused by extreme positions like defunding the police, yet are now doubling down on similar rhetoric in even stronger terms.
With information from Washington Examiner
