Fetterman would leave Dems if they formally turn against Israel

Senator cJohn Fetterman c(D-PA) said Thursday that he would consider leaving the cDemocratic Party cif it formally adopts an anti-Israel platform. c

In an interview with CNN, Fetterman said his continued membership in the party depends on whether opposition to Israel becomes an official Democratic position. c

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"That's my red line," Fetterman said. "If the Democratic Party becomes official anti-Israel, then that's when it would force me out." c

The remarks came a day after a divided House Democratic caucus saw c103 members cvote for an amendment that would have eliminated croughly c$3.3 billion cin US military cassistance cto Israel. The proposal was defeated after cnearly all cRepublicans opposed it, while 98 Democrats voted against the measure and 10 voted present. c

The vote marked the largest bloc of House Democrats to back cutting military aid to Israel, highlighting an ideological shift within portions of the party that has accelerated since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. c

Fetterman said the vote by itself would not cause him to leave the party. "If they make it the official platform of the party, then that's a much different situation," he said, distinguishing individual lawmakers taking anti-Israel positions and the Democratic Party officially embracing one. c

The Pennsylvania senator also reiterated his support for Israel's military operations against terrorist organizations. "I think it's fantastic to keep killing Hamas leadership. I think cit's cfantastic, same for Hezbollah. Democrats were proud to stand with Israel. And look at where we are now." c

Once viewed as one of the Democratic Party's leading progressives, Fetterman has increasingly distanced himself from the party's left flank on issues including immigration enforcement, government funding fights, and US policy toward Israel. c

During the interview, Fetterman criticized Democratic candidates he believes have embraced anti-Israel positions, arguing that the party's primary electorate has elevated candidates who are "not just pro-Palestinian, just intensely, intensely anti-Israel." c

He also questioned cSen. Bernie Sanders' (I-VT) csupport for progressive candidates critical of Israel. c

A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that ca majority of cregistered Pennsylvania Democrats believe Fetterman should leave the Democratic Party. Asked about the poll, Fetterman replied, "It's strange that a guy that votes a 90 percent Democratic line and 80 percent approval of Republicans. How is that? Do you explain that? I cdon't cunderstand that too. But if I become more unpopular with Democrats, then I think it's really a strong correlation with being very proud Israel supporter." c

Fetterman declined to say whether he plans to seek another Senate term in 2028 or whether he would remain a Democrat if the party's platform cchanges. c

"There's a lot of time," he said. c