'Only Trump sympathetic': Vance slams Israel over Iran deal
What's the story
United States Vice President JD Vance has slammed Israeli leaders for not recognizing American support. The criticism comes after a US-Iran interim deal to end their war. "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," Vance said at a White House news briefing.
Military backing
US military support to Israel
Vance also emphasized the extent of American military support for Israel, saying two-thirds of the defensive weapons protecting Israel in recent months were American-made and paid for by US taxpayers. He urged Israeli leaders to reconsider their priorities, saying, "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."
Joint operation
Differences between US and Israel
The US and Israel jointly launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. However, differences arose after an April 8 ceasefire agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly wanted to continue the campaign while Trump sought to end it due to its unpopularity in the US and global economic impact.
Discontent
Israeli leaders criticize US
Some Israeli leaders have openly criticized the US support. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel isn't "bound" by Trump's agreement and wouldn't yield to international pressure. Vance accused unnamed members of Netanyahu's Cabinet of ingratitude, highlighting Israel's reliance on American-funded weapons. Addressing Israel's security minister and finance minister, Vance said, "You're a country of nine million people. You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have."
Military presence
Netanyahu says will keep military presence in Lebanon
On the other hand, Netanyahu has said that Israel will keep its military presence in occupied southern Lebanon as long as security needs require it. This could undermine the newly signed memorandum of understanding, which calls for a ceasefire and respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity. However, Netanyahu stressed the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the US.