Fetterman says U.S. should stand with Israel if it retaliates against Iranian attack

WASHINGTON — The U.S. should not stand in the way if Israel retaliates against Iran’s weekend attack against the Jewish state, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman said Sunday.

Mr. Fetterman, D-Pa., said on CNN’s “State of the Union” that he disagreed with reports saying President Joe Biden has urged Israel not to hit back after successfully repelling a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Iran and suffering little damage. 

“I don't agree with that,” Mr. Fetterman said. “And I just think we should follow and have Israel's back in this situation. I don't agree with the president. That doesn't change anything that he's a fantastic president. I'm proud to stand with him and campaign for him and vote for him.”

Mr. Biden is under pressure from far-left elements of the party to demand an immediate cease-fire, leaving Hamas in control of Gaza and in possession of an unknown number of hostages. Pro-Palestinian activists have been critical of Mr. Biden, showing up at events to protest his continued backing of Israel’s right to respond to the Hamas attack, and have begun an effort to get voters in Pennsylvania’s April 23 Democratic primary to write in “uncommitted” rather than support the president.