PM to Senator John Fetterman: "We are proud that you are our friend"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met last night (Wednesday to Thursday) in Washington, D.C., with Democratic Senator John Fetterman, as part of his diplomatic visit to the American capital and following his meetings with President Donald Trump and other senior administration officials. During the meeting, Netanyahu showered praise on Fetterman, who is considered one of Israel's most prominent supporters in the Democratic Party, while the senator sharply criticized the conduct of his party and New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani.

"Senator, it is good to see you again. You are an exceptional patriot. You speak about what is good for America and what is good for the alliance between us, of which you are one of the greatest supporters. You have said things as they are, without fear, out of a tireless and courageous commitment to the truth," Netanyahu said at the beginning of the meeting.

Netanyahu added: "I want to thank you on behalf of the citizens of Israel. In fact, I want to thank you on behalf of free people everywhere, because I receive praise from all over the world for your courage and clarity."

Fetterman replied that his support for Israel is "the greatest honor" of his time in the Senate. "I have been proud to stand with Israel and for its vision — and for the miracle that it is," he said. According to him, his visits to Israel demonstrated to him the magnitude of its achievements. "When you visit there and see it, you understand what a miracle Israel is."

The Democratic senator expressed deep disappointment with the line his party is taking toward Israel. "As a Democratic politician, it is disappointing to see how our party continues to conduct itself," he said. He also attacked Mamdani following his statements against Israel: "We saw the peak of this when the pathetic New York City Council member made such ridiculous claims. As far as I know, I was the only Democrat who was proud to push back against that garbage." Fetterman added: "I am proud to stand with Israel all the way."

Later, Fetterman declared that he intends to remain "the conscience of the Democratic Party in Congress — not just in the Senate, but in the entire Congress." He mentioned his support for the American operation "Midnight Hammer" against the Iranian nuclear program, as well as the Israeli campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah.

"I have always supported what was necessary to destroy Hamas and Hezbollah, and also to act against Iranian capabilities," he said. "For me, this has always been a just war. People have forgotten why all of this was necessary."

Netanyahu replied that Israel is "doubly proud" of the friendship with Fetterman, and added: "History will be a witness to your contribution to truth and justice. These are not just words that come from my mouth — they come from the heart and from deep belief. Your stance will be remembered in history and for generations to come."