Vance Responds to Israeli Critics of Trump’s Iran Deal

Vice President JD Vance warned Israeli critics of President Donald Trump’s memorandum of understanding with Iran, suggesting they should be appreciative of what the U.S. president has done.

During a June 18 press conference at the White House, Vance said that members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet should not attack the occupant of the Oval Office.

“Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time, and he happens to be the head of state of the world superpower,” he said.

“If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.”

The memorandum of understanding states that there is to be no more fighting in Lebanon. Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the deal, but has said that Israeli troops would remain in Lebanon to fight Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah, which has launched rockets from Lebanon into Israel.

But members of his Cabinet have come out against the agreement.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that Israel will defend its own interests.

“Israel is not subordinate to the United States,” he said, according to Hebrew-language media.

“It is an independent and sovereign state, and any agreement reached by Trump does not bind us. We are committed first and foremost to protecting our citizens and soldiers.”

Vance noted on June 18 that the United States has given military support to Israel to defend itself.

“Over the last three months, two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars,” he said.

“The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump, and anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in.”

Nearly four months after the United States and Israel worked together in military operations against Iran, Trump has expressed criticism of Israel regarding the situation in Lebanon, increasing tensions between the two allies.

The Iran conflict has disrupted financial markets and affected global oil supplies, particularly after Iran responded by shutting down the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Following comments made by Vance on Thursday, Trump posted on social media urging all parties in the Middle East to remain committed to ongoing negotiations.

He stated that the U.S. expects a full ceasefire across the region, including between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah.

Nonetheless, Trump has said that Israel has the right to defend itself amid its conflict with Hezbollah.

“I want Israel to be able to protect themselves, but I do want them to use good judgment,” Trump told reporters at the G7 conference in France on July 17.

Later in the day at a press conference, Trump said regarding his relationship with Netanyahu: “We have a little dispute over Lebanon. I say you can do a little softer touch, Bibi.

“You don’t have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that’s from Hezbollah, but it’s been an amazing partnership.

“But he will say ‘we’re the big partner’ and he’s the very small partner, and that’s true.”

Reuters contributed to this report.