Israel (Washington Insider Magazine) —In the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed over 1,400 people, Democratic leaders, including President Joe Biden, have largely backed Israel’s right to retaliate. Among them, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a prominent progressive, strongly supported military, intelligence, and humanitarian aid for Israel, stating the U.S. must stand “in lockstep” with its ally.
This stance, while aligning with much of the Democratic Party, has sparked unexpected backlash, particularly from Fetterman’s progressive base. Recently, about 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside his Philadelphia office, demanding his support for an immediate cease-fire. Former campaign staffers have also voiced disapproval, with some feeling “gutted” by his stance, as reported by The Intercept.
Fetterman’s uncompromising support for Israel is consistent with his campaign views, influenced by personal experiences with rising antisemitism, including the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting near his Pittsburgh home. Acknowledging the complexities, he calls for ongoing humanitarian aid to Gaza but rejects a cease-fire until Hamas is neutralized, arguing it’s a necessary step to protect both Israeli and Palestinian lives.
