WASHINGTON — Sen. John Fetterman on Saturday criticized what he described as an anti-Israel faction within the Democratic Party, pushing back on calls from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to consider placing conditions on U.S. aid to Israel.

In an interview, the Pennsylvania Democrat rejected assertions that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide and argued that U.S. assistance should not be restricted, saying Israel is fighting for its survival.

Fetterman also criticized progressive activists he characterized as sympathetic to Hamas, referencing political commentator Hasan Piker. He questioned why some Democrats have been more vocal in condemning Israel than Iran, citing reported deaths during Tehran’s crackdown on anti-government protests.

Ocasio-Cortez made her remarks while attending the Munich Security Conference, where she and other progressives have advocated reassessing U.S. support for Israel in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The exchange highlights continuing divisions within the Democratic Party over U.S. policy toward Israel, as some lawmakers call for stricter oversight of aid while others, including Fetterman, defend continued support.