Key Takeaways
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused some members of the Israeli government of trying to sway U.S. public opinion against a deal with Iran.
- Vance defended the recent agreement, which critics say fails to address Iran's missile program and nuclear facilities.
- The comments mark a widening rift between the U.S. and Israel over the handling of the Iranian conflict.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has accused some members of the Israeli government of attempting to influence American public opinion against a recent deal aimed at ending the war with Iran, according to a podcast episode he participated in.
In an interview with host Joe Rogan, Vance stated that there were individuals within the Israeli government who sought to 'shift us away from that policy because they want to continue the military campaign.'
The comments come as tensions between the U.S. and Israel have escalated over their differing views on how to handle Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Vance, a potential future presidential candidate, defended the deal, which critics argue fails to address Iran's missile program and provides no clear path for dismantling its nuclear facilities.
He noted that while he has 'good relationships' with some members of the Israeli government, there are those who 'are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely.'
The vice president also highlighted that many countries, both allies and adversaries, try to influence U.S. policy, but emphasized that it does not bother him when Israel tries to do so.
However, he expressed concern when such operations 'actually affect American political judgment,' suggesting that the influence campaigns could impact U.S. decision-making.
In a previous statement in June, Vance had lashed out at Israeli critics of the Iran deal, stating that President Donald Trump is Israel's only ally and referencing the billions in U.S. defense aid the country receives.
Israeli senior officials have previously stated that the deal’s terms were bad for Israel because they failed to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there have been people within the Israeli government who are trying to, like, actually shift us away from that policy because they want to continue the military campaign.
JD Vance, U.S. Vice President
