John Fetterman says being contemptuous of Israel means ‘you’re anti-American’

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen John Fetterman (D-PA) said Tuesday, June 23, that to be contemptuous of Israel is to be contemptuous of America.

The senator made the comments during a guest appearance on Fox News’ ‘Hannity,’ a program he has become a frequent visitor to. While commentary and politicians, even some in the GOP, have increasingly criticized the Israeli government’s actions in the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, Fetterman has emerged as one of Israel’s most vocal defenders in Congress.

Sean Hannity presses John Fetterman on democratic socialists

Host Sean Hannity pressed Fetterman on why Democratic socialists within his own party, naming New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani specifically, harbor what Hannity described as a "deep hatred" for Israel. "Why the deep hatred for Israel? Why?" Hannity asked.

Fetterman responded that to be opposed to Israel is to be against the United States, a separate geopolitical entity.

“Because you have such contempt for Israel, I mean, of course, you’re also anti-American, and you’re anti-Western civilian– civilization,” the senator said. “And you’re anti-capitalism and the American way of life. Now, I mean, they’re all socialists, of course. Now there’s communists and now Marxists and now they’re proud of this.”

The exchange came amid ongoing scrutiny of Israel's military operations, with figures across the political spectrum publicly criticizing the Israeli government in recent weeks.

John Fetterman's falling standing among Democrats

Fetterman, who was backed by the progressive wing of the party during his 2022 Senate run, has run afoul of a wide cross-section of Democratic voters since taking office.

In March, CNN data analyst Harry Enten reported that Fetterman's approval rating among Pennsylvania Democrats had swung by 108 points, falling from 68 points above water to 40 points underwater, a shift Enten described as a stunning collapse.

His party’s relationship with Fetterman has also been strained by reports of future ambitions. New York magazine reported last month that Fetterman had floated the idea of running as the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2028 in a meeting with staff last summer.

According to the report, the suggestion left staffers stunned, with one person in the room quoted as asking if Fetterman was being serious and raising concerns about his job performance, fundraising, and standing within his own party.

“Almost all of us had our jaws on the floor, like, ‘Are you out of your f*****g mind? You don’t do your job, you can’t raise any money, and your entire party hates you,’” a person who was in the room told the publication.

Despite the friction with fellow Democrats, Fetterman has continued to make frequent appearances on Fox News programs, where he is often invited to criticize members of his own party, including progressive lawmakers and the broader Democratic establishment over its posture toward Israel.

Fetterman has not commented further on the remarks since the Tuesday broadcast. His office did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.