Sen. John Fetterman says he would quit Democratic Party if it adopts anti-Israel platform
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Senator John Fetterman warned he would leave the Democratic Party if it makes an anti-Israel stance part of its official platform, amid growing tensions with progressive members over Israel policy.
Senator John Fetterman told CNN that a formal anti-Israel position by the Democratic Party would be a "red line" prompting him to exit the party. He made the comment during an interview with reporter Manu Raju, saying the party’s official platform, not individual votes, would determine his decision.
"If the Democratic Party becomes official anti-Israel, then that’s when I would force me out," Fetterman said.
Fetterman noted that a recent House vote to block billions in military aid to Israel, the largest such vote to date, was "symbolic" and would not by itself cause him to leave the party. He emphasized his support for actions against Hamas and Hezbollah and said Democrats have traditionally stood with Israel.
The Pennsylvania senator, who was first elected as a self-described progressive, has clashed with the party’s left wing on issues ranging from immigration enforcement to fiscal strategy. A Quinnipiac poll released this week indicated that a majority of registered Democratic voters in Pennsylvania would prefer he leave the party, a finding Fetterman described as puzzling.
"It’s strange that a guy that votes a 90% Democratic line and 80% approval of Republicans. How is that? Do you explain that? I don’t understand that too," he said.
Fetterman did not confirm whether he will seek re-election in 2028 or run as a Democrat in a primary, stating only that there is "a lot of time" before any decision is needed.