Vice President JD Vance is slated to address a prominent gathering of Jewish conservatives on Monday, an event where some members of the Republican Jewish community have voiced concerns about his recent statements concerning Israel. Vance is scheduled to speak at the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) annual leadership summit in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The RJC traditionally maintains a strong pro-Israel stance. However, Vance has made several remarks in recent months that have drawn skepticism and contrast with the party faithful's generally supportive position toward the Jewish state.
During a White House press briefing in June, Vance commented on a deal intended to pause the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. He stated that if he were an Israeli cabinet member, he would not criticize the United States, describing Donald J. Trump as "the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time." In a subsequent interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Vance suggested that certain individuals within the Israeli government might be attempting to influence American public opinion to prolong the conflict indefinitely. He advised that Americans frustrated by this should instead direct their frustration toward American leaders who are swayed by such efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated in an interview with ABC News that he had spoken with Vance about these comments and believed the matter was resolved. Vance, in a later Fox News interview addressing reports of disagreements with Netanyahu, characterized Israel as a "great partner" but affirmed his willingness to engage in "frank conversations" with Netanyahu when their viewpoints diverge, a practice he likened to interactions with other U.S. allies.
Some Jewish Republicans have expressed reservations about Vance's statements. Maura Schrier-Fleming, a member of a Dallas-based group of Jewish Republican women, told ABC News that she found some of Vance's comments regarding Israel's defensive actions to be a mischaracterization. She indicated that Vance should emphasize that actions beneficial to America are also beneficial to Americans and highlight Israel's value as the Middle East's only democratic ally.
A Republican operative, who requested anonymity due to active involvement in Republican politics, suggested that Vance's White House briefing marked a turning point in how his remarks on Israel are perceived among Jewish Republicans. The operative felt that Vance's subsequent efforts to engage with Jewish conservatives or demonstrate support for Israel could be viewed as an "apology tour," potentially aimed at regaining support within the Jewish right ahead of a possible 2028 presidential bid. Vance has not confirmed presidential ambitions, stating his current focus is on the midterm elections, though he has not ruled out a future run.
Both Vance and former President Donald Trump have publicly expressed disagreements with Netanyahu. Trump confirmed in mid-June that he had criticized Netanyahu over a strike in Lebanon.
Despite these concerns, some Jewish conservatives have pushed back against the notion of a significant divide. Y. David Scharf, a major Republican donor and attorney, stated via email that he recently discussed shared themes in Judaism and Catholicism with Vance. Regarding Israel, Scharf affirmed that Vance has been "unequivocal in expressing support for the U.S.-Israel alliance" in their interactions.
Others view Vance's appearance at the RJC gathering as a positive step. Eric Levine, a significant fundraiser for GOP Senate candidates and an RJC board member who spoke in a personal capacity, called Vance's attendance "a very good thing." Levine believes Vance is reaching out to the Jewish community and others who support the American-Israeli relationship and oppose antisemitism.
Vance has also on multiple occasions condemned antisemitism, which may help to allay other potential concerns among Jewish conservatives.