JD Vance: Military Force Is Not the Solution to Every Problem
US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday criticised the panic that has arisen in Israel over the newly signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, stressing that the use of military force cannot be the solution to all national security problems.
In an interview with The New York Times, Vance said he found the overreaction in Israel odd because it was rooted in a lack of trust in the United States.
“I find the panic in Israel a bit strange because I think it stems from a lack of trust. Yet America has earned the trust of the region,” Vance said.
He emphasised that Washington has provided substantial support to Israel and its government for many years. Therefore, he argued, the notion that the agreement with Iran is a bad deal is not supported by the facts.
“We have done a great deal for that entity and that government. The idea that we have made a bad deal is not supported by the facts and makes no sense given the length of the relationship that has been established,” he stated.
Vance acknowledged that much of the Israeli political sphere and public are highly sensitive to the agreement. He suggested the panic was partly fuelled by misinformation about the contents of the deal.
He also addressed criticism of the agreement from Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
“My response to them is, what exactly is your proposal? You are an entity of nine million people. You cannot solve every national security problem simply by killing,” Vance said.
He assessed that the agreement would benefit the entire Middle East region, the international community, and Israel itself.
According to Vance, the deal has already achieved one of the United States’ primary objectives, namely ending Iran’s nuclear programme.
“We have destroyed their nuclear programme. We have brought Iran to a point where they are offering things that, whether they actually implement them or not remains to be seen. But six months ago, these things could only have been considered a dream,” he said.
Vance added that the negotiation process still needs to be given a chance to proceed. He stressed the importance of judging Iran’s actions based on actual implementation, not just statements.
“Let us allow this negotiation process to run its course. Let us see whether Iran’s actions truly match their words. And give a little credit to the United States, which I believe has been an extraordinary partner to the Israeli government for many years,” Vance said.