JD Vance Rebukes Ben Gvir, Says Trump Is Israel’s Strongest Ally

US Vice President JD Vance responded Thursday evening to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir after Ben Gvir proposed war with Iran in answer to a question from Vance about criticism of the Washington, Tehran agreement. Speaking to reporters, Vance told members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government not to attack Donald Trump, saying, “Do not attack the only leader in the world who is standing with you.”

Vance added that if he were in the Israeli cabinet, he would not attack what he called Israel’s strongest and most significant remaining ally in the world. He also pointed to American security support for Israel, saying that in the past three months, two thirds of Israel’s air defense systems, those built and operated to counter threats, were made by the United States and financed by American taxpayers.

“The problem for Israel is not Donald Trump,” Vance said. “Anyone who thinks the American president is the main problem for Israel needs to wake up and understand the reality the country is in.” The exchange reflects the continuing tension over the Iran deal criticism and the public confrontation between senior US and Israeli officials.