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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Fetterman rejects Gaza genocide claim, says he would rather lose voters than abandon Israel

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • U.S. Senator John Fetterman defended his strong support for Israel in a podcast interview with Jon Stewart, rejecting the notion of a genocide in Gaza.
  • Fetterman acknowledged his stance has alienated some within the Democratic party but stated he prioritizes his beliefs over political popularity.
  • The interview touched on Fetterman's recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his criticisms of fellow Democrats regarding the conflict.

Senator John Fetterman engaged in a robust interview with comedian Jon Stewart, defending his unwavering support for Israel and his sharp criticisms of progressive Democrats concerning the Gaza war. Stewart pressed Fetterman, accusing him of "caricaturing" the left wing of his party and questioning his backing of Israel's actions.

Jewish community and Israel are not the same thing, brother man. They're not – that is not the same thing.

— Jon StewartStewart, who is Jewish, challenged Fetterman's assertion that his support for Israel was tied to the 'Jewish community.'

Stewart, who is Jewish, challenged Fetterman's assertion that his support for Israel was tied to the "Jewish community." He highlighted the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, calling them "terrible" collateral damage but not genocide, as Fetterman maintained. Stewart questioned Fetterman's firm backing of an ally he described as "dehumanizing" another population.

The killing of civilians was 'terrible' and 'collateral' damage but not a genocide.

— John FettermanFetterman defended his position on the war in Gaza, stating that civilian deaths were regrettable but not genocidal.

Fetterman stood by his position, stating that going after Hamas leaders was necessary following the Oct. 7 attack. He acknowledged that his stance has negatively impacted him politically, with polls showing a decline in support among Democrats in his state. "I'm aware that if I happen to disagree with the party line, there's a price to pay," Fetterman said, adding, "I would rather have people know what I happen to believe."

I don't understand how you have no criticisms over their actions, over their increasingly messianic, ultra-right-wing government that seems to think relentless war is, like, that you can bomb people out of resistance.

— Jon StewartStewart pressed Fetterman on his lack of criticism towards the Israeli government's actions and its right-wing leadership.

The interview, part of "The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart," also touched on Fetterman's recent meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many other Democrats have distanced themselves from the Israeli government, but Fetterman has largely aligned himself with its actions, even as he acknowledges the political cost.

I'm aware that if I happen to disagree with the party line, there's a price to pay.

— John FettermanFetterman acknowledged the political consequences of his stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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