Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman for a one-on-one meeting Wednesday, praising him as a fearless ally who refused to abandon Israel when much of his party turned hostile.
“You’ve been a stellar patriot, talking about what is good for America, what is good for our alliance, of which you’ve been a champion,” Netanyahu told him.
“You’ve been telling it like it is, with no fear, and just an indefatigable and courageous commitment to the truth,” the prime minister added.
Fetterman returned the compliment.
“Mr. Prime Minister, it was a supreme honor of my time here in the Senate,” he said. “I’m proud to stand with and for the vision and what Israel is, the miracle that Israel is.”
Fetterman has repeatedly broken with progressive Democrats over Israel since Hamas terrorists attacked the Jewish state on Oct. 7, 2023.
He backed Israel’s military campaign, demanded the release of Hamas’ hostages and rejected efforts to cut off American weapons.
His latest target was New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has called Netanyahu a war criminal and urged federal officials to arrest him under an International Criminal Court warrant.
Mamdani recently acknowledged that City Hall lacks the legal authority to carry out the warrant. President Donald Trump has promised that Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form” while visiting the United States, according to the Associated Press.
Fetterman was disgusted by his party’s behavior.
“It’s been disappointing, as a Democratic politician, how our party continues to behave,” he told Netanyahu.
“Now I think, as far as I know, I was the only Democrat that was proud to push that trash back,” Fetterman added. “I’m proud to stand with Israel through everything.”
Netanyahu told the senator that “history will record your contribution to truth and justice.”
Fetterman embraced his increasingly lonely position.
“I’m proud to remain the conscience of the Democratic Party in Congress,” he said.
The ICC issued its warrant in 2024 over allegations tied to Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Israel denies committing war crimes and rejects the court’s jurisdiction.
Fetterman, however, did not hedge.
“It’s always been a just war for me,” he said. “I don’t understand how we’ve arrived with where we are politically, at least in my party, but I have no regrets.”
Watch the clip below:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at Blair House in Washington with U.S. Senator @JohnFetterman.
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
"Senator, it's good to see you again. You've been a stellar patriot, talking about what is good for America, what is good for our alliance, of which… pic.twitter.com/1vG9RDG6Zm— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 30, 2026
