Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman is once again breaking with many members of his own party over Israel. As progressive voices within the Democratic Party become increasingly critical of the Jewish state, the senator warned this week that he could not remain a Democrat if the party officially abandoned its support for Israel.
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From Just the News:
Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman issued a warning to the Democratic Party on Wednesday, stating that he would leave it if the party officially turns its back on Israel.
The warning comes the same day that over 100 House Democrats voted against sending more aid to Israel, though the amendment containing the proposal failed to pass because of wide Republican support.
“If our party ever becomes — and just makes it official — the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave because that’s been a moral clarity for me,” Fetterman said during an interview at the Hill Nation Summit in Washington.
Fetterman went on to express concern that the Democratic Party has become increasingly hostile toward Israel as progressive candidates continue winning primaries around the country. Although he said most of his political views still align with Democrats, he revealed that he has recently been approached about changing parties. The Pennsylvania senator also criticized fellow Democrats for supporting controversial candidates, including former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, whose campaign collapsed amid allegations of sexual assault.
For years, IFA intercessors have faithfully prayed for Sen. Fetterman, and we have seen the Lord answer those prayers in many different ways. While we disagree with him on many issues, we have also been encouraged to see the Senator emerge as a stalwart defender of God’s chosen nation in the Middle East.
Israel has increasingly become a point of division within American politics. Following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, support for Israel has remained strong among many lawmakers, while others have become more critical of the Jewish state and its military operations in Gaza. Within the Democratic Party especially, progressive activists and candidates have increasingly questioned America’s longstanding alliance with Israel, creating growing tensions between the party’s traditional pro-Israel members and its activist base.
For intercessors, support for Israel extends beyond geopolitics. Throughout Scripture, God reveals His covenant relationship with the Jewish people, and we are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem while recognizing Israel’s unique place in God’s redemptive plan. That does not mean every action taken by the Israeli government is beyond criticism, but it does mean we should reject efforts to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist or defend itself against those who seek its destruction.
Whether Sen. Fetterman’s warning ultimately changes the direction of his party remains to be seen. Regardless of political outcomes, let’s continue praying for leaders on both sides of the aisle to reject antisemitism, pursue truth over political pressure, and stand with Israel as it faces ongoing threats.
How are you praying for Sen. Fetterman, America’s leaders, and the peace of Israel? Share your prayers and scriptures in the comments below.
(Excerpt from Just the News. Photo Credit: Jewish Democratic Council of America – JDCA 2024 Leadership Summit – John Fetterman, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150946366)
