Fetterman says he does not understand Dems’ negative view of Israel, calls country a ‘special ally’

John Fetterman referred to a Pew poll revealing that 80% of Democrats have at least somewhat negative views of Israel
Sen John Fetterman urged fellow Democrats to support President Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury against Iran and to 'pick Israel' (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Sen John Fetterman urged fellow Democrats to support President Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury against Iran and to 'pick Israel' (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen John Fetterman (D-PA) said he is perplexed about the reasons for which the majority of the Democratic Party looks at the country called Israel with contempt, considering the latter a crucial ally of the United States.

During an appearance on Fox News, the Democratic senator commented about the differences within his own party concerning America's attitude towards Israel in relation to the issue with Iran.



John Fetterman calls Democrats' negative view of Israel 'insane'

During his appearance on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime’ on Thursday, April 9, Fetterman cited polling that he said showed a majority of Democrats hold a negative view of Israel, calling that trend “insane.”

The senator has become something of a regular on the network, where he typically rails against his own party.

Fetterman urged Democrats to support President Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury against Iran and to “pick Israel.”

US President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. The two leaders are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting to discuss regional security in the Middle East as well as the US-Israel partnership (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

He emphasized that Israel remains a close partner of the US and shares similar values.

“I think more Democrats should listen to me and be on the right side of history in holding Iran accountable,” the senator said. “And if you have to pick a side, pick our side. Pick civilization, pick Israel.”

Then, Fetterman referred to a Pew poll revealing that 80% of Democrats have at least somewhat negative views of Israel. Similarly, 60% of all Americans have a somewhat or very negative view of Israel, up from 42% in 2022.

John Fetterman says he is ‘proud’ to stand with Israel

“That’s our special ally,” Fetterman said, questioning how such a large portion of Democrats could view the country unfavorably.

He added that Israel is “the only place in the region that has the kind of values and the kinds of way that we live and what we want here as a Democrat."

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., arrives before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Sen John Fetterman (D-PA) arrives before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the US Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Fetterman also encouraged Democrats to take a clearer stance, saying that if forced to choose a side in the ongoing conflict, they should support Israel. He framed the issue as one of aligning with US allies and broader principles.

“How is that possible that 8 out of 10 view Israel in a negative thing as Democrats, you know? And I know it’s even more and more unpopular about standing and agreeing about Epic Fury. But I will be the only Democrat, you know, in my caucus that is proud to stand with Israel and I also think Epic Fury was necessary," the Pennsylvania politician asserted.  

The senator has been a staunch advocate for Israel in Congress since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, and has spoken out frequently amid rising disagreements concerning the US position regarding Israel and the Middle East. 

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