Fetterman Accuses Democrats of ‘Rot,’ Rejects AOC’s Gaza ‘Genocide’ Claim

Senator John Fetterman delivered a sharp public rebuke of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Saturday, rejecting her claim that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and accusing elements within his own party of turning against Israel as a key U.S. ally.

Appearing on Fox News’ Saturday in America, the Pennsylvania Democrat said the accusation was false and defended continued American military support for Israel, framing the war as an existential struggle. “There was never any genocide in Gaza, absolutely, and there shouldn’t ever be any conditions for aid for Israel, because they were in an existential war,” Fetterman said.

His remarks came in response to comments Ocasio-Cortez made at the Munich Security Conference, where she argued that U.S. military assistance had “enabled a genocide in Gaza” and called for stricter enforcement of U.S. laws governing foreign aid.

Fetterman did not limit his criticism to her remarks alone. He accused a faction within the Democratic Party of drifting toward anti-Israel activism.

“There’s a rot in my party standing with pro-Hamas people like that,” he said, referencing progressive voices he believes have aligned themselves with anti-Israel rhetoric.

The exchange underscores growing tension inside the Democratic Party over Israel policy. While progressive lawmakers have increasingly pushed to condition or reassess military aid in light of civilian casualties in Gaza, moderates such as Fetterman have defended maintaining strong, unconditional support.

Fetterman also contrasted Ocasio-Cortez’s criticism of Israel with what he described as relative silence regarding human rights abuses in Iran. “Why is she so eager to criticize and find a way to criticize Israel? But I don’t really recall them saying anything as Iran was executing thousands and thousands of their protesters,” he said.

Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly responded to Fetterman’s comments. Her Munich speech drew criticism from Republican lawmakers and some Democrats, who rejected the genocide characterization and defended Israel’s right to respond to Hamas terrorists following the October 7 attacks.

The public clash between two high-profile Democrats reflects a widening divide over U.S.–Israel relations. As the 2026 midterm cycle approaches, disagreements over military aid, conditions on support, and rhetoric surrounding the Gaza war are becoming increasingly visible within the party.