Washington — Vice President JD Vance came under fire after warning Israel against opposing a new U.S. memorandum of understanding aimed at halting hostilities and opening peace negotiations in the Middle East.
During a White House briefing on Thursday, Vance suggested Israel should not “attack the only powerful ally it has left in the world.” His comments followed Israel’s criticism of the agreement signed by President Trump, which paused fighting and opened a 60‑day negotiation window that included Lebanon.
Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine, speaking on Real America’s Voice, called Vance’s remarks “absolutely inappropriate and frankly disgusting.” Fine, who is Jewish, reminded audiences that Israel “was created in the blood, sweat, and tears of the Jewish people rising out of the Holocaust,” not by the United States.
The controversy intensified after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israeli forces struck Hezbollah targets Thursday night in response to a “heinous attack.” Iran has insisted that any ceasefire with the U.S. must include a halt to fighting between Israel and Lebanon.
Vance expressed frustration that progress toward peace is repeatedly derailed by deadly explosions in civilian areas of Beirut, saying such incidents are “not acceptable.”
Other conservatives joined Fine in criticizing Vance. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade said he was “shocked” by the vice president’s stance, adding, “I wish he would be that tough with Iran.” Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich also questioned why Israel was being blamed for defending itself, stressing that “Iran funds and arms Hezbollah, encourages them to kill Israelis, and then blames Israel for protecting its citizens.”
Key Points
- JD Vance’s remarks: Warned Israel against opposing U.S. peace memorandum.
- Randy Fine’s response: Called comments “disgusting” and reminded of Israel’s Holocaust origins.
- Netanyahu’s statement: Confirmed Israeli strikes on Hezbollah after attack.
- Iran’s position: Ceasefire contingent on halting Israel‑Lebanon fighting.
- Conservative backlash: Kilmeade and Gingrich criticized Vance for targeting Israel instead of Iran.
Credit: The Hill
