During his recent trip to Israel, Senator John Fetterman received a rather unusual gift from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—a silver-plated beeper.
This moment occurred during an awkward exchange between the two in Netanyahu’s Jerusalem office, a scene that has now garnered significant attention.
The Unlikely Exchange Between Fetterman and Netanyahu
The exchange began when Fetterman, eager to show his support for Israel, gifted Netanyahu a framed article from a Philadelphia newspaper.
The article commemorated Netanyahu’s late brother, who tragically died in 1976 during an Israeli raid in Uganda.
In return, Netanyahu, jokingly asking what he could give to a man who seemingly had everything, handed over the silver-plated beeper, describing it as “nothing, but it changes history.”
The Significance Behind the Beeper Gift
The gift was more than just an odd gesture. Netanyahu’s mention of the beeper referenced Israel’s military operation in Lebanon, which had involved detonating pagers used by Hezbollah members, leading to numerous casualties.
Netanyahu had previously gifted a golden pager to former President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House in February.
Some have questioned the appropriateness of giving such a symbolic gift to a junior senator, yet Fetterman seemed amused, admiring the device and even expressing his appreciation for it during the exchange.
Fetterman’s Continued Support for Israel Amid Criticism
Fetterman, who has consistently shown support for Israel despite backlash from his Democratic Party over the Gaza conflict, reiterated his stance on Twitter, following Israel’s air strikes on Gaza that broke a ceasefire with Hamas.
His unwavering support, however, has drawn harsh criticism from some liberals, with many condemning him for aligning himself too closely with Netanyahu’s policies, particularly after the tragic loss of life in Gaza.
Fetterman Faces Backlash Over His Support for Netanyahu
Critics on social media have not held back, labeling Fetterman as “despicable” and accusing him of supporting actions that resulted in the deaths of children.
His firm stance on Israel has positioned him as a divisive figure, especially among progressive groups within the Democratic Party.
These criticisms have intensified following his open support for the ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Fetterman’s Break From the Democratic Party on Other Issues
Beyond his stance on Israel, Fetterman has also clashed with his party over various issues.
He recently spoke out against the behavior of some Democratic colleagues during President Trump’s address to Congress, where protests and stunts overshadowed the event.
Fetterman’s criticism of his party’s actions further distances him from the more liberal wing, positioning him as a moderate voice within the Democratic Party.
A Potential Future in National Politics for Fetterman?
Despite health struggles during his Senate campaign in 2022, including recovering from a stroke, Fetterman’s name has been floated as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential election.
With Democrats searching for new leadership, some view Fetterman as a possible presidential candidate, especially after his strong performance in the Senate.
Comedian Bill Maher even endorsed him as the type of leader the party needs to counteract figures like Trump.
Though Fetterman has dismissed thoughts of running for president in the near future, his evolving political career continues to attract attention.
For now, his unwavering support for Israel and his bold stance on various issues have solidified his position as a distinct voice in American politics.