'The one thing': John Fetterman says he'd leave Democrats if party turns 'anti-Israel'

Fetterman made the remarks after being asked about progressive victories in New York and Colorado, where many candidates opposed US support for Israel
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman frequently broke with fellow Democrats after President Donald Trump returned to office, criticizing the party while backing most legislation (Getty Images)
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman frequently broke with fellow Democrats after President Donald Trump returned to office, criticizing the party while backing most legislation (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who often breaks with his party over several issues, has once again made a bombshell statement against his party, revealing the one thing that could drive him away from the party.

Fetterman recently warned his party against the rising dominance of the progressive and socialist wing.



John Fetterman sets condition for leaving Democratic Party

Fetterman has been a staunch supporter of Israel and has advocated for the country’s interests in Congress.

The Pennsylvania senator finally addressed the highly anticipated rumors of him leaving the party, saying that he would leave his party if it became an “anti-Israel party” and if denying Israel’s “right to defend itself and to exist” became “a formal part of our platform.”

In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News on Thursday, July 2, Fetterman said, “My real concern is the Democratic Party is going to put it into the platform, you know, as an anti-Israel party, that Israel does not have the right to defend itself and to exist.”

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 15:  Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate John Fetterman reacts to applau
John Fetterman reacts to applause from supporters during a joint rally with Democratic candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, at Norris Park on October 15, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

“And the second that becomes a formal part of our platform, that’s the one thing that would push me out of this party,” he added.

Since President Donald Trump returned to office, Fetterman has frequently broken with fellow Democrats, criticizing the party’s stance on several issues while still voting with it on most legislation.

Despite speculation from Republicans that he could switch parties, the Pennsylvania senator has dismissed the idea so far.

Democratic congressional candidates, Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier gesture on stage with Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a Get Out The Vote rally ahead of New York's primary election, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
Democratic congressional candidates, Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier gesture on stage with Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a Get Out The Vote rally ahead of New York's primary election, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in the Brooklyn borough of New York (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)

John Fetterman criticizes Democratic shift on Israel

Fetterman made the remarks while responding to a question about the recent surge of progressive and self-described Democratic socialist candidates defeating establishment Democrats in New York and Colorado.

Many of those candidates have campaigned against continued US support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

GAZA CITY, GAZA - MAY 12: Heavy smoke surround Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses during an Israeli ai
Heavy smoke surrounds Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses during an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City on May 12, 2021 in Gaza City, Gaza (Fatima Shbair/Getty Images)

The senator claimed the new generation of candidates shared a "contempt for Israel" that he said was becoming "essentially" becoming anti-Semitic.

“I’m deeply alarmed by the way the Democratic Party is going after Israel and allowing just rank anti-Semitism to just flourish, you know, on the left and on the campuses too,” he added.

Earlier, speaking during an interview at the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize event, Fetterman said the recent victories of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates reflected the rise of a political movement he believes is fundamentally different from mainstream Democrats.

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