US Vice President JD Vance stated that some members of the Israeli government are attempting to manipulate American public opinion to prolong the conflict with Iran. In an interview published Wednesday on "The Joe Rogan Experience," Vance expressed trust in some individuals within the Israeli government but indicated that others are actively working to change public sentiment to keep the war ongoing.
The White House responded Thursday, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, "I think the president would certainly agree that, yes, foreign countries certainly do try to persuade American public opinion." Vance specifically mentioned a "discreet, extremely well-funded campaign" aimed at derailing negotiations and a potential deal with Iran, asserting that "exact evidence" shows some Israeli leaders oppose such an agreement.
This comes after the US reached a memorandum of understanding with Iran last month, which allowed for continued formal negotiations and included a now-abandoned 60-day ceasefire and a condition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, tensions have recently resurfaced, with the US intensifying strikes on Iran and Tehran targeting US allies in the region. Vance has been involved in negotiations with Iran, attending talks in Pakistan in April and in Switzerland in June for the signing of the MOU.
Vance clarified that while he does not object to foreign governments, including "certain elements of the Israeli government," criticizing the US position, his concern lies with "when Americans allow, meaning American leadership allows, that influence to affect their judgement and to affect what they are advocating for."
The vice president's comments represent the latest in a series of criticisms he has made regarding Israel's actions as the Trump administration seeks an end to the conflict through diplomacy and military strikes. In June, Vance urged Israeli political leaders not to attack "the only powerful ally" they have left, in response to some leaders criticizing the US agreement with Iran to extend the ceasefire.
The conflict between the US and Iran, alongside Israel's actions, began with wide-ranging US and Israeli strikes in February, leading to retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf. Fighting has also extended to Lebanon. Israel views Iran as an existential threat, seeking the complete dismantling of its nuclear and missile programs and regime change.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Wednesday voted down a measure that would have cut billions of dollars in US aid to Israel. The motion failed with 314 votes against and 104 in favor, with a notable number of Democrats voting to end funding, signaling a shift in the party's traditionally unwavering support for Israel.