JD Vance Rebukes Ben Gvir and Smotrich Over Their Criticism of the Deal

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with The New York Times that he did not believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had personally criticized the deal under discussion. Vance said, "Maybe I missed it, but I don't think Bibi himself really criticized the deal. Because I think he may be a little more versed in the details of what's in it."

He said the criticism came instead from "people in their system," naming Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Vance then challenged them directly, asking, "What exactly is your proposal?"

Vance added that Israel cannot solve every national security problem by force alone, saying, "You can't just kill your way out of every national security problem you have." The comments were made in the context of debate over the deal and its terms, with Vance distinguishing Netanyahu from his more hawkish cabinet allies.