Fetterman Receives Silver-Plated Beeper from Netanyahu in Show of Support for Israel
Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania, received a distinctive gift from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent visit to Jerusalem: a silver-plated beeper. The exchange occurred after Fetterman publicly lauded Israel’s covert operation in which they remotely detonated pagers used by Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon last year. The gift serves as a tangible representation of Fetterman’s unwavering support for Israel, a stance that has sometimes placed him at odds with certain segments of the Democratic Party.
Fetterman’s vocal support for Israel has been a consistent theme throughout his political career. He has repeatedly condemned Hamas’ actions, particularly the October 7, 2023, attack and the subsequent hostage crisis, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all those held captive. His recent visit to Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem further underscored his commitment to the Jewish state, as he reiterated his solidarity during their meeting.
"Hamas does not want peace. I unapologetically, 100% stand with Israel, and demand the release of all remaining hostages," Fetterman declared in a post on X, formerly Twitter, while in Israel. His firm stance has resonated with many who believe in Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism.
The gift exchange itself was symbolic. Fetterman presented Netanyahu with a framed news article detailing efforts to memorialize Netanyahu’s brother, Yoni Netanyahu, in Philadelphia, where the Israeli Prime Minister had lived as a teenager. Yoni Netanyahu is considered a national hero in Israel for his role in the 1976 Entebbe raid, a daring rescue operation in which Israeli commandos freed 102 hostages held by German and Palestinian terrorists who had hijacked an Air France plane. Yoni Netanyahu lost his life during the operation.
Netanyahu reciprocated with the silver-plated beeper. "What can I give a man who has everything? How about giving him a beeper?" Netanyahu remarked with a smile. He elaborated on the significance of the seemingly simple device, explaining, "This is a silver-plated beeper. The real beeper is, like, one-tenth the weight. It’s nothing, but it changes history."
The beeper is a reference to Israel’s controversial September 2024 operation in Lebanon, where they successfully detonated pagers carried by members of Hezbollah, resulting in the deaths of numerous individuals. The operation drew both praise and criticism, with some hailing it as an effective counterterrorism tactic and others condemning it as a disproportionate use of force.
Fetterman, however, expressed his enthusiasm for the operation when it was first reported. "When that story broke, I was like, ‘Oh, I love it, I love it.’ And now, it’s like, thank you for this," Fetterman acknowledged, accepting the gift.
The operation took place before Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader. A few weeks later, Israel launched a ground invasion of Lebanon. The conflict ultimately concluded with a ceasefire agreement in late November.
Netanyahu has previously gifted a similar item to another prominent political figure. In February, he presented a gold-plated pager to former President Donald Trump. This action further underscores the symbolic weight Netanyahu attaches to the beeper as a representation of Israel’s innovative and sometimes controversial counterterrorism strategies.
The presentation of the silver-plated beeper to Fetterman highlights the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the varying perspectives within the Democratic Party regarding Israel’s actions. While some Democrats have become increasingly critical of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, Fetterman has remained a staunch supporter, prioritizing Israel’s security concerns and condemning Hamas’ terrorist activities.
Fetterman’s unwavering support for Israel has garnered him both praise and criticism. Supporters commend his principled stance and his commitment to standing by a key ally in the Middle East. Critics, however, argue that his unwavering support overlooks the suffering of Palestinians and perpetuates the cycle of violence.
The episode involving the beeper is just the latest example of Fetterman’s willingness to break with his party on issues related to Israel. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to evolve, Fetterman’s voice will undoubtedly remain a prominent one in the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party and the broader American political landscape. His deep conviction and unyielding support for Israel set him apart and ensure that his perspective is heard, even when it diverges from the prevailing sentiments within his own party. The silver-plated beeper now serves as a constant reminder of his commitment.
