19.06.2026 09:01
US Vice President JD Vance directly targeted Israeli ministers who criticized the agreement signed between the US and Iran, saying, "You are a country of 9 million people. You can't find a way out of every national security problem you face just by killing." While these remarks drew harsh responses from the Israeli side, it was reported that Netanyahu sought to convey that the statements made by cabinet members towards Washington do not reflect his own stance.
US Vice President JD Vance reacted to criticism from Israel in a podcast interview with the New York Times.
Vance said, "I find the panic in Israel strange because I think it stems from insecurity. However, America has earned the trust of that region."
"YOU CANNOT KILL YOUR WAY OUT"
Vance, harshly criticizing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezazel Smotrich by name, stated, "There are people like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich attacking the deal. I think my response to them is: What exactly are you proposing? You are a country of 9 million. You cannot kill your way out of every national security problem you face."
Arguing that the US agreement with Iran was a good deal for the US, Israel, and the Middle East, Vance noted that considering America's long-standing support for Israel, the reactions from that country were not 'logical'.
"WE ELIMINATED THEIR NUCLEAR PROGRAMS"
Stating that the agreement would end Iran's nuclear program and that this was a major gain for Israel, Vance assessed, "We eliminated their nuclear programs. We brought the Iranians to a point where they are making offers that were unimaginable even 6 months ago."
Vance concluded, "Let's continue these negotiations to the end and see if Iran's actions truly match their words. Let's give some credit to the US, which is an incredible partner for Israel."
RESPONSE FROM ISRAELI MINISTERS
Israeli ministers reacted to statements made by US Vice President JD Vance regarding Israeli politicians critical of US President Donald Trump.
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to Vance's question "What do you propose?" targeting Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who criticized Trump, in a post on his account on the US-based X company's social media platform.
Ben-Gvir stated, "My proposal is to deal with the Nazis of the 21st century, just as the US dealt with the Nazis of the 20th century."
Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, reacting to Vance's statements that Israel's weapons were financed by American taxpayers' money, claimed, "The intelligence we provide to the US has saved the lives of countless American citizens."
Arguing that technologies developed in Israel are primarily used by the US military, Zohar said, "The partnership between Israel and the US is important for the free world."
US Vice President Vance had harshly criticized Israeli politicians, saying, "I want to say to some cabinet members in Israel who criticize the US: In the last three months, two-thirds of the defensive weapons protecting your homeland were made by American hands and financed by American taxpayers' money. Donald Trump is not Israel's problem. Anyone in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is President Trump should wake up and see the reality of their country's situation."
NETANYAHU CAUGHT IN BETWEEN
It was reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been trying to convey that the statements of cabinet members towards Washington do not reflect his own stance, in order to prevent the tension with the Trump administration from escalating.
According to a report by Israeli state television KAN, Netanyahu has been sending messages in recent days to reduce tension in relations with the White House.
The report stated that Netanyahu has been making statements regarding social media posts by Israeli ministers containing criticism of the US-Iran agreement and Trump, trying to explain that these expressions do not reflect his approach.
Recalling that Netanyahu had previously emphasized that "he makes the decisions" in response to statements by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the report noted that the situation has become more sensitive because the criticism of Trump this time directly targets the US President.
It was reported that US Vice President JD Vance reacted to the criticism of Trump by some Israeli cabinet members and made statements indicating that Israel should consider US support.
Vance stated that a significant portion of the weapons used for Israel's defense are provided by the US and said that those in Israel who "think Donald Trump is the problem" need to see the current situation.
Some Israeli ministers reacted to Vance's statements. Far-right Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded to the remarks directed at them for their criticism of Trump.