Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Sen. John Fetterman during the Pennsylvania Demopcrat’s trip to Israel and praised him for his support of the Jewish state amid its war with Hamas.
“We’ve been through dark times in these months of anguish, war. And during that time, I can say that Israel has had no better friend than Sen. John Fetterman,” Mr. Netanyahu said in a video posted Wednesday on X.
“I want to thank you for your courageous statements that show moral clarity and moral courage,” the prime minister said. “You just say it the way it is, and we appreciate this friendship at all times, but especially in these times.”
Mr. Fetterman has been one of the most outspoken Democratic supporters of Israel, even after many of his party colleagues have started to question Mr. Netanyahu’s motives in the war and some have outright accused the Jewish state of genocide.
“We stand with Israel through this and I am so sorry for what’s been done to this nation,” he told Mr. Netanyahu while donning his signature hoodie. “I’m just an honor to be here today.”
Mr. Fetterman was one of a bipartisan group of senators that have condemned the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s decision to seek arrest warrants for war crimes against Mr. Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.
This was Mr. Fetterman’s first trip to Israel.
On Tuesday, he met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog where he showed him the bracelet he wears that was given to him by families of those who were killed in the Oct. 7 attack at the Nova music festival.
He said he would not take the bracelet off until all hostages return home.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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