Vance slams Israeli ‘freakout’ over Iran deal, says Trump only world leader who still likes Israel

JD Vance, the U.S. vice president, sharply criticized Israeli officials for opposing the recently signed U.S.-Iran nuclear deal, calling their actions a betrayal of America’s support for Israel. During a press briefing at the White House, Vance accused far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet of failing to recognize the strategic importance of the agreement. He emphasized that Donald Trump remains the sole global leader who supports Israel, highlighting the unique alliance between the U.S. and Israel amid growing international skepticism toward the Jewish state.

Vance pointed out that over the past three months, two-thirds of the defensive weaponry protecting Israel has been manufactured in the U.S., funded by American taxpayers. This, he argued, underscores the depth of American commitment to Israel’s security. He further warned that Israelis who believe their greatest threat comes from the U.S. are misjudging the true challenges facing their country. His remarks were directed specifically at Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, both of whom have publicly opposed the deal, labeling it a risk to Israel’s safety.

In a separate conversation with The New York Times, Vance described the Israeli reaction to the deal as “a little bit odd.” He suggested that many Israelis are reacting based on misinformation and fear, rather than a realistic assessment of the agreement’s implications. When asked how he would respond to Smotrich and Ben Gvir, Vance challenged them directly: “What is your exact proposal?” He added that Israel, with a population of just nine million people, could not rely solely on military force to address all its security concerns.

The U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was finalized two days ahead of schedule. Under the agreement, Iran received significant economic relief while agreeing in principle to reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium. However, the deal does not resolve the broader conflict between the U.S. and Iran, nor does it address the ongoing tensions stemming from the recent military operations launched by both nations. Instead, it postpones discussions on Iran’s nuclear program and other critical issues to a 60-day negotiation period, which Vance stated officially commenced on Thursday.

The upcoming negotiations are expected to begin on Friday, though some officials suggest the initial meetings may occur later in the week or even over the weekend. Vance noted that it is challenging for Iranian officials to travel internationally, which could delay the process. Despite these logistical hurdles, he expressed confidence that the talks would proceed, emphasizing the importance of finding a diplomatic resolution to the escalating crisis.

As the situation unfolds, the Israeli public and political leadership remain divided. While some lawmakers and citizens support the deal, others, particularly those aligned with Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, continue to voice strong opposition. The controversy highlights the complex relationship between Israel and its closest ally, as well as the broader geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the U.S. With the 60-day negotiation window now open, the coming weeks will likely see increased scrutiny of the deal and its potential impact on regional stability.