Sen. Fetterman Faces Backlash Over Pro-Israel Stance

Critics Accuse Pennsylvania Democrat of Political Calculation, Supporters Cite State's Jewish Population and Past Tragedy as Influences

Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has been publicly supporting Israel in its war against Hamas, a stance that has sparked backlash from progressive activists and some of his former aides.
Fetterman's support for Israel includes waving an Israeli flag at pro-Palestinian protesters and hanging photos of Israeli hostages outside his Senate office.
Critics argue that Fetterman's pro-Israel stance is a political calculation to maintain support from pro-Israel super PACs that backed him in the 2022 Senate race.
Supporters and observers of Fetterman argue that his pro-Israel stance is consistent with his past positions and is influenced by Pennsylvania's large Jewish population and the impact of the 2018 massacre at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue.
Despite the backlash, Fetterman has remained steadfast in his support for Israel, rejecting calls for a ceasefire and criticizing the anti-war movement.