Vance Links Republican Midterm Losses to Iran War, Israel Relations
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
US Vice President J.D. Vance attributed Republican midterm election losses to the war in Iran and a desire among voters for a change in relations with Israel. He noted that a poll indicated these were key factors driving voter anger. President Donald Trump agreed the war played a role but defended the decision as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Vance has previously criticized Israel's alleged efforts to prolong the conflict and influence US policy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Vice President J.D. Vance links Republican midterm losses to the war in Iran and Israel relations.
- A poll cited by Vance shows voters want a change in the US-Israel relationship.
- President Trump agrees the Iran war contributed to losses but calls it 'worth it'.
- Vance previously accused Israel of campaigning for an 'eternal war'.
- Donald Trump Jr. supported Vance's assessment of the election loss reasons.
US Vice President J.D. Vance stated on Wednesday that the Republican Party's loss in the midterm elections was due to the war in Iran. He cited a poll of party supporters indicating that a shift in relations with Israel would encourage them to return to supporting the party. Vance elaborated that the top four reasons for voter dissatisfaction, accounting for nearly all responses, were ending the war in Iran, focusing on the cost of living, prioritizing America, and changing the relationship with Israel. He asserted these were the reasons many 2024 Trump voters were angry and voted for Democrats, leading to the loss of the Senate majority for the next six years.
Vance also warned of attempts to obscure the reality of the election loss, with establishment politicians potentially blaming the issue on amnesty for illegal immigrants. While open to changes in enforcement policy, he argued that advocating for such amnesty is deceptive. Vance reiterated that the reasons for the loss were clear.
President Donald Trump responded, agreeing that the Iran war contributed to the midterm losses but deemed it "worth it," stating the US must prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Donald Trump Jr., the president's son, shared Vance's remarks, adding "Every word."
Amidst Vance's criticism of the war, CBS reported, citing sources, that President Trump had consulted with advisors about whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his post. This is not the first time Vance has criticized Israel and the Iran war. In July, he accused Israel of managing a campaign for an "eternal war," suggesting elements within the Israeli government sought to influence US policy to prolong military action and manipulate American public opinion for an indefinite conflict. Vance also noted his good relationship with some Israeli government members, hoping they were not involved in this campaign. In June, Vance criticized the Israeli government, stating he would have avoided attacking the US if he were a member of its cabinet, and identified President Trump as the only world leader still friendly to Israel. He also mentioned seeing reports of Netanyahu being furious, though this did not align with his own conversations with him.
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