Senator John Fetterman expressed his strong support for a presumed Israeli attack that resulted in the destruction of pagers and walkie-talkies throughout Lebanon last week, which led to numerous fatalities and injuries. In fact, he claimed he “loves” it.

“I was very impressed with Israel’s action to destroy the pagers and walkie-talkies, and subsequently target Hezbollah’s members and leaders. I fully support such actions. In fact, I love it,” Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, stated on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday.

More: Israeli attacks on Hezbollah escalate, marking the largest operation since October 7

Fetterman’s remarks followed a statement from Senator Bernie Sanders, who claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was hindering ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

“Each time a resolution seems within reach, Netanyahu introduces new demands that sabotage the agreement,” Sanders claimed on the Senate floor in a video shared with Fetterman. “It is evident to me that Netanyahu is extending the conflict to maintain his grip on power.”

Fetterman expressed complete disagreement with Sanders. He stated that in the case of the pager attack, “Israel showed its determination to hold terrorists accountable, and I fully support that,” he noted. Tragically, among those who lost their lives due to the explosions were two children.

Since the intensification of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict last October, Fetterman has shown unwavering backing for Israel.

His stance has elicited criticism from more progressive Democrats, accusing him of shifting towards a more conservative position, diverging from his previous progressive messaging during his successful campaign in Pennsylvania.

In response to the backlash, Fetterman distanced himself from the label of “progressive.” He had visited Israel a few months ago to meet with Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders.

Pager and walkie-talkie explosions escalate conflict with Israel and Hezbollah

The attacks involving pagers and walkie-talkies resulted in 37 fatalities and injuries to over 2,700 individuals when the devices began to explode across Lebanon in a period of two days. Some victims suffered severe injuries, losing fingers or eyesight. This included an 8-year-old girl and the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon among the deceased.

As a result of the explosions, Beirut’s international airport banned these devices from flights. Moreover, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps halted the use of communication devices, according to Reuters on Monday.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in these attacks, but reports indicate that the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, may have planted small explosives in the devices.

In response to the attacks, Hezbollah promised to deliver a “just punishment” to Israel, describing the incident as one of the worst security failures in the past year.

The explosions have heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, especially since they have been exchanging regular strikes along the border since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas last October, which has resulted in 1,200 Israeli and 40,000 Palestinian casualties.

The Lebanese health ministry reported an additional 100 fatalities on Monday due to Israeli airstrikes, marking the deadliest strikes in Lebanon in at least a year. These strikes affected various areas from the southern border to northern regions near Syria. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched several dozen rockets toward northern Israel.

This marks the latest in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon and numerous Hezbollah rockets launched across the border. According to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israel targeted nearly 300 sites over the weekend.

“If Hezbollah hasn’t grasped the message, I assure you it will soon,” he asserted.