Fetterman says he would leave Democratic Party if it becomes 'anti-Israel'

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., said July 16 he has no plans to leave the Democratic Party – unless  the party formally abandons its support for Israel.

"If our party ever becomes — and just makes it official — the anti-Israel party, that's when I would leave because that's been a moral clarity for me," he said during an interview at The Hill Nation Summit in Washington.

Fetterman said he is increasingly concerned about what he described as a shift within his party away from support for Israel amid growing criticism of U.S. military aid from progressive Democrats.

"My long-term concern has been with the Democratic Party, as I am a member of that, is that our party is going to back away and turn their back to Israel," he said.

Fetterman pointed to Democratic support for an amendment by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., that sought to end roughly $3.3 billion in annual U.S. security assistance to Israel. He also cited the success of progressive candidates critical of Israel in recent Democratic primaries.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., opposed the amendment, while House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., supported it. Fetterman said Clark's vote reflected what he sees as a broader trend within the party.

"You look at the kinds of individuals that are winning our recent primaries," he said. "It's becoming more anti-Israel and hostile to people" who support Israel.

Fetterman said Republicans have approached him about switching parties. He declined to discuss what he called "private conversations."

Fetterman has repeatedly described himself as proud to stand with Israel even as support for the country has declined among many Democrats since the Israel-Hamas war began. He has voted against measures that would limit U.S. actions in support of Israel and has rejected characterizations of Israel's military campaign as genocide.