Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman waved a small Israeli flag at protestors demanding a cease-fire amid ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
“Jackass @JohnFetterman saw veterans getting arrested and laughed,” the veterans against war group About Face posted Thursday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, alongside a video of what appeared to be the Pennsylvania senator walking by a group of protestors and waving an Israeli flag.
“We asked to see @SenGillibrand. We were put in cuffs. We need leaders who listen to veterans demanding a #CeaseFireNow,” the post said.
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Fetterman has faced significant opposition and criticism for his unwavering support of Israel following the latest intensification of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While Fetterman’s position aligns with that of his party, his stance has sparked a rift within the progressive left, with some of his supporters and former staffers expressing disappointment and labeling his support as a betrayal.
“I unequivocally support any necessary military, intelligence, and humanitarian aid to Israel,” Fetterman said in a statement following the terror attack on Israel. “The United States has a moral obligation to be in lockstep with our ally as they confront this threat. I also fully support Israel neutralizing the terrorists responsible for this barbarism.”
Fetterman’s support for Israel is not a recent development but was made clear during his Senate primary campaign. His pro-Israel stance has been shaped, in part, by the rise of antisemitism and incidents like the Tree of Life synagogue massacre in 2018, which deeply affected him.
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Fetterman’s allies argue that his support for Israel is sincere and rooted in his personal experiences and beliefs. They highlight his commitment to the U.S.-Israeli relationship and his condemnation of terrorism as evidence of his unwavering support for Israel’s security.
However, critics claim that Fetterman’s support for Israel is politically motivated. They argue that many Democrats, including Fetterman, fear political consequences from influential pro-Israel groups if they were to offer any criticism of the Israeli government.
These critics believe that Fetterman’s stance on Israel is not a genuine reflection of his beliefs but rather a calculated move to appease certain interest groups.
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