JD Vance Acknowledges US and Israel Are Not Always Aligned, Calls Netanyahu 'Missteps'

The diplomatic relationship between the United States and Israel appears to be at a rather tense juncture. US Vice President JD Vance has openly acknowledged differences of opinion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview excerpt released on Wednesday local time, Vance even stated that the Israeli leader had ‘made some mistakes’ in responding to the war in the Middle East. Vance affirmed that while Israel remains a close partner of the United States, the two countries do not always share the same vision. ‘Sometimes, our interests align perfectly, and sometimes, our interests do not align,’ Vance said in a video clip posted by CBS News on platform X. He also added his perspective on Netanyahu’s character. ‘What I see from the prime minister is that he aggressively asserts his country’s interests. Sometimes that means we are on the same page, and sometimes it means we are not,’ Vance continued in the interview, scheduled to air in full on Sunday. The tension is not without cause. The relationship between President Donald Trump and Netanyahu has reportedly become increasingly strained in recent weeks. According to a report from Axios, Trump recently even called the Israeli leader ‘crazy’ during a phone call. One of the main triggers for this rift was Netanyahu’s decision to give the green light for retaliatory strikes against Iran late last week. This aggressive move was known to be contrary to Trump’s wishes. Responding to this situation, Vance stressed that his administration’s top priority is the interests of American citizens, even if it comes at the expense of allies. ‘They have been a great partner in many respects, but we also have to focus on what is in the best interest of America. And when those interests differ, we, unfortunately for the people of Israel, have to side with the American people,’ Vance stressed. When asked further about what mistakes Netanyahu made in his dealings with Washington regarding the Iran issue, the Vice President declined to speak specifically. He refused to provide detailed specifics on the points of contention between the two countries. ‘I think conversations like that are sometimes better had in private,’ Vance concluded.