Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said he would leave the Democratic Party if it formally adopts an anti-Israel platform, citing concerns about antisemitism within his party.
Fetterman, who generally votes with Democrats but has broken ranks on select issues, made the comments during a Fox News appearance with host Sean Hannity. The Pennsylvania senator has previously rejected calls to switch to the Republican Party but indicated his position could change under specific circumstances.
What Fetterman Said
When asked what could convince him to leave the Democrats, Fetterman pointed to what he described as rising antisemitism within party ranks. “The one thing that absolutely is in common is just contempt for Israel that essentially is becoming just rank antisemitism,” he said.
Fetterman criticized party members over their positions regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. He referenced a recent Colorado primary winner who, he said, refused to acknowledge a firebombing targeting Jewish supporters of Israeli hostages. “She refused to even address that. It is that antisemitic,” Fetterman stated.
The senator highlighted candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, suggesting their victories signal a troubling leftward shift. “Why can’t you just push back and say these are abhorrent beliefs, you know, communism, socialism,” he said of party leadership.
The Core Concern
Fetterman expressed alarm at what he views as the Democratic Party’s drift on Israel policy. “What my real concern is, the Democratic Party is going to become, and put it into the platform, an anti-Israel party, that Israel does not have the right to defend itself and to exist,” he said.
He identified the formal adoption of anti-Israel language in the party platform as his breaking point. “The second that becomes a formal part of our platform, that’s the one thing that would push me out of this party,” Fetterman stated. He also cited concerns about antisemitism on college campuses and within progressive spaces.
Party Dynamics
Fetterman’s comments reflect broader tensions within the Democratic Party over Middle East policy. His willingness to publicly articulate conditions for departure underscores divisions between centrist and progressive wings on Israel and related issues.
The senator has previously supported military assistance to Israel and has opposed calls from fellow Democrats to condition aid. His stance contrasts with vocal party members who have advocated for stricter limits on support for Israel’s military operations.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Politics team contributed to this report.
