Vance Signals Trump Willing to Part Ways With Netanyahu, Citing U.S. Interests

Vice President JD Vance has indicated that former President Donald Trump is prepared to "part ways" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when American interests diverge from those of Israel. Vance made these remarks on Tuesday during a videoconference at the All-In Summit in Los Angeles, addressing a gathering of tech leaders.

Vance emphasized that while Israel has been a crucial partner in military technology and intelligence sharing, the United States does not always align with Israel's positions. He stated that Trump has demonstrated a willingness to distance himself from Netanyahu when he perceives a conflict between American and Israeli government interests.

"We cannot let our Middle Eastern foreign policy be subservient to the state of Israel," Vance declared, drawing a parallel to his earlier comments about not allowing U.S. foreign policy toward Europe to be "subservient" to NATO.

This stance reflects a growing frustration within the Trump-Vance camp regarding Israeli leadership, particularly as the conflict with Iran has persisted. Vance's remarks also come after a period of tension between the U.S. and Israel over the latter's actions in Lebanon during fragile peace talks.

In June, Vance had previously noted that Israel's international support was diminishing. His candid statements have reportedly alienated some pro-Israel Republican donors and Israeli diplomats. The temporary ceasefire agreement Vance helped broker with Iran in June also drew criticism from pro-Israel factions who favored continued conflict with Iran.

Former President Trump has also voiced criticism of Netanyahu. In June, reports indicated Trump expressed frustration during a phone call regarding Israeli strikes on Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, reportedly calling Netanyahu "f sanely crazy" and stating, "Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this."

More recently, Trump addressed the issue of alleged Palestinian persecution in the West Bank, stating he would speak with Israeli leaders to understand their perspective. This statement came as the UK, France, Canada, and nine other nations jointly announced sanctions against Israel over violence in the West Bank. Reports suggest Trump did not intervene to push back against these sanctions.

Trump and Netanyahu last met at the White House on July 28. Vance also held meetings with Netanyahu at the White House in July and in Jerusalem in April.