New York : Tensions between the United States and Israel became public on Thursday when US Vice President JD Vance criticised Israeli leaders who opposed the Iran deal. Vance said President Donald Trump is Israel’s “only powerful ally” and accused some Israeli cabinet ministers of overreacting to the agreement.
Vance’s strong comments came as Israeli leaders, including some ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, continued to criticise the US-Iran agreement. They said the deal does not do enough to stop Iran’s nuclear programme or limit its missile development. They also argued that the agreement could restrict Israel’s ability to take action against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Speaking at a White House press conference, Vance defended the agreement signed this week between the US and Iran. He said the deal aims to end months of tensions, reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, and start talks on a wider peace agreement.
Vance told reporters that his message to Israeli leaders was simple. He said President Donald Trump is currently the only world leader strongly supporting Israel. Vance added that if he were a member of Israel’s government, he would not publicly criticise the country’s only major ally.
Vance rejected the criticism and highlighted the strong military support the US has provided to Israel for many years. He said Israeli leaders should remember that much of the country’s defence system was built with American technology and funded by US taxpayers. The United States currently gives Israel about $4 billion in military aid every year, and both countries are also discussing a new defence assistance package.
Vance said Israel’s main challenge is not President Donald Trump. He argued that anyone in Israel who sees Trump as the country’s biggest problem does not understand the reality of the situation. His remarks came amid reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was unhappy with the agreement. However, Vance said Netanyahu had not personally expressed any concerns to him.
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