update deskU.S.-Israel Relations

In Jerusalem, Netanyahu thanks visiting Fetterman for ‘moral clarity, courage’

“We stand with Israel. I’m so sorry for what’s been done to this nation, but I'm just honored to be here today,” said Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) at the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem, June 26, 2024. Credit: Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) at the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem, June 26, 2024. Credit: Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on the legislator’s first trip to the Jewish state. He met the day before with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who called him “a true leader.”

Netanyahu thanked him for visiting the country and for his consistent support of Israel, especially since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7. He told the senator that standing up to pro-Palestinian demonstrators, while waving an Israeli flag, was courageous and heart-warming.

“We’ve been through dark times in these months of anguish war. During that time, I can say that Israel has had no better friend than Senator John Fetterman. Senator, welcome to Israel,” said the prime minister.

“I want to thank you for your courageous statements that show moral clarity and moral courage, and you just say it the way it is. We appreciate this friendship at all times but especially at these times. So welcome, friend, welcome.”

Fetterman replied succinctly and with visible emotion, saying, “We stand with Israel through this. I’m so sorry for what’s been done to this nation, but I’m just honored to be here today.”

Others participating in the meeting included Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer; director of the National Security Council Tzahi Hanegbi; and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew. 

Benjamin Netanyahu, John Fetterman and Israeli Leaders in Jerusalem
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli leaders at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem, June 26, 2024. Credit: Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO.
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