Fetterman Slams Democrats' Negative Views on Israel

The Pennsylvania senator criticizes his party for increasingly criticizing the U.S. ally over its operations against Iran.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary American flag pole standing tall against the backdrop of a dimly lit, empty government building, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and division.Fetterman's impassioned defense of Israel highlights the growing political tensions within the Democratic party over the U.S. ally.Washington Today

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has strongly condemned the growing negative sentiment toward Israel among Democrats, citing a recent Pew Research survey that found 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents have an unfavorable view of the country. Fetterman called this "insane" and urged his party to support Israel, which he described as a key U.S. ally and a bastion of "the kinds of values in the kinds of way that we live and what we want here."

Why it matters

Fetterman's comments highlight the growing divide within the Democratic party over its stance on Israel, particularly as the U.S. and Israel have launched joint military operations against Iran. The senator's vocal support for Israel puts him at odds with a significant portion of his own party, underscoring the political tensions surrounding this issue.

The details

In an interview with Fox News's Jesse Watters, Fetterman expressed frustration with the negative views of Israel among Democratic lawmakers in Congress. He called on his party to "be on the right side of history and holding Iran accountable," and to "pick our side, pick civilization, pick Israel." Fetterman also affirmed his support for the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, calling the effort "necessary."

  • The Pew Research survey was released this week.
  • Fetterman made his comments on Thursday evening.

The players

Sen. John Fetterman

A Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who is a fierce advocate for Israel.

Pew Research

A nonpartisan think tank that conducts public opinion surveys.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The current Prime Minister of Israel.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States.

Iran

A country that has been the target of joint U.S.-Israeli military operations.

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What they’re saying

“That's insane. You know, that's our special ally. That's the only place in the region that has the kind of values in the kinds of way that we live and what we want here.”

— Sen. John Fetterman, Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania

“Why can't we just root for our military? Why can't we just say, I don't have to agree [with] everything the president has done or the kind of things that he says?”

— Sen. John Fetterman, Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania

“We should be on the side of America, and we should be on the sides of civilization and the free world. And I'm on that side, and I don't know why I'm the only Democrat that says those kinds of things at this point, and I'm going to continue to always vote to support our military, whatever's required for them to do to hold Iran accountable and make that region more safe.”

— Sen. John Fetterman, Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania

What’s next

Fetterman's comments are likely to further inflame the debate within the Democratic party over its stance on Israel, particularly as the U.S. and Israel continue their joint military operations against Iran. It remains to be seen whether other Democratic lawmakers will follow Fetterman's lead in voicing strong support for Israel.

The takeaway

Fetterman's staunch defense of Israel underscores the growing ideological divide within the Democratic party over this issue. As the party grapples with its position on the U.S.-Israel relationship, Fetterman's vocal advocacy for Israel could put him at odds with a significant portion of his own party's base.