WASHINGTON — US Vice President JD Vance has delivered one of the strongest public criticisms yet of Israel’s far-right leadership, warning that Israeli officials opposing Washington’s recent agreement with Iran risk undermining relations with their country’s most important ally, the United States.
Speaking at the White House, Vance directly challenged Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have fiercely criticized the Trump administration’s agreement with Iran and expressed concerns that it could weaken Israel’s security position.
“I’ve seen Ben-Gvir and Smotrich attacking the agreement,” Vance said. “My response is simple: What is your plan? You are a country of nine million people. Can every security problem be solved by killing people?”
The vice president also criticized Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon, arguing that civilian populations have suffered heavily from the conflict and warning that endless military action cannot provide a long-term solution to regional security challenges. Reports indicate that Israeli strikes in Lebanon have complicated efforts to stabilize the region following the US-Iran agreement.
Vance stressed that Israel should be careful not to alienate the United States, describing Washington as Israel’s most powerful and reliable international partner.
“Donald Trump is the only world leader who is still willing to stand firmly behind Israel,” Vance said. “Anyone in Israel who thinks that their greatest problem is the President of the United States needs to face reality.”
Highlighting the scale of American support, Vance noted that US taxpayers have financed a substantial portion of Israel’s defense capabilities.
“Two-thirds of the weapons used to defend Israel during the last three months were built and paid for by American taxpayers,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing tensions between Washington and some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition following the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which aims to end months of conflict and open a 60-day negotiating process toward a broader peace agreement. The deal has been welcomed by several regional governments but sharply criticized by Israeli hardliners who argue it fails to adequately address Iran’s missile program and regional influence.
Vance warned Israeli politicians that attacking the Trump administration over the agreement would be a strategic mistake.
“If I were sitting in the Israeli cabinet, I would not attack the most powerful friend my country has in the world,” he said.
Asked about reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was unhappy with Washington’s negotiations with Tehran, Vance declined to confirm any personal disagreement.
“I’ve seen those reports, but I’ve never heard Netanyahu say that to me directly,” Vance said. “Maybe he’s telling other people things that he hasn’t told me.”
The comments underscore an increasingly visible divide between Washington and some members of Israel’s governing coalition over how to deal with Iran, Lebanon, and the broader security landscape in the Middle East, despite both countries maintaining close strategic ties.
