Vance downplays Netanyahu meeting over Iran war: ‘He didn’t confront me’
Vice president JD Vance addressed recent reports suggesting a tense meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, clarifying that their discussion was amiable and straightforward, with no confrontations. The meeting took place last week at Blair House, where Netanyahu reportedly discussed Vance’s criticisms of Israel’s government and its role in the US-Republican Party. Vance also noted earlier intense conversations, including a phone call in March, about Israel’s optimism regarding Iran-related conflicts.
Vance has publicly scrutinized Israel’s involvement in Iran negotiations,accusing its government of undermining ceasefire efforts and criticizing the US memorandum of understanding. Despite these disagreements, Vance emphasized that the US and Israel remain allies, even when their viewpoints differ, and highlighted that open and frank discussions are part of a healthy alliance.
He also discussed his role in US-led Iran peace negotiations, stating he is committed to achieving a successful outcome despite the complex and sometimes unpredictable nature of diplomacy, acknowledging the road may be “messy.” Vance indicated a willingness to take responsibility for the peace process, even if it involves setbacks, and recognized that Iran’s internal politics can complicate negotiations. he portrayed US-Israel relations as cooperative and obvious, with mutual respect despite occasional policy disagreements.
Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday poured cold water on reports that a meeting between himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned sour, saying there was no confrontation between the two leaders.
Speaking with Fox News’s Laura Ingraham on The Ingraham Angle, Vance was asked about a sit-down with Netanyahu at Blair House, which was reportedly intended to clear the air after the vice president was critical of the prime minister’s government, accusing elements of it of attempting to derail U.S.-Iran peace talks.
Recommended Stories
“He didn’t confront me. We had a nice and frank conversation,” Vance said.
The meeting took place last week, and Axios reported that Netanyahu discussed Vance’s criticism of the Israeli government and Israel’s place in the Republican Party. In March, the pair also had an intense phone call in which the vice president said Netanyahu was far too optimistic about the possible outcomes of the war.
Since becoming the leader of negotiations with Iran, Vance has frequently scrutinized Israel‘s role in the conflict. He has accused the Israeli government of undermining ceasefire agreements and promoting smear campaigns against him, as well as hitting back at Israeli criticism of the memorandum of understanding signed in June.
“What is your exact proposal?” the vice president said in an interview with the New York Times then.
“You’re a country of 9 million people,” he said. “You can’t just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have.” That same day, he warned the Netanyahu government against “attacking the only powerful ally that [it has] anywhere left in the entire world.”
On Wednesday, Vance explained that relationships with allies can be complex.
“Israel has been a great partner,” he said. “They’re an ally of the United States of America. But like France or Britain or any other ally of the United States of America, we sometimes have differences of opinion, and I think that the American media is fascinated by this dynamic. … When our interests are aligned with Israel, we talk about how to accomplish those shared objectives. When my viewpoint is averse to the prime minister of Israel, we have a frank conversation about that.”
Vance was also asked about how he became the face of peace talks with Iran. President Donald Trump previously said that if a deal with Iran fails, he will “blame JD.”
“If they want to make me own the effort to try to bring this war to a successful conclusion, I’m happy to let them make me own it,” he said. “I am absolutely trying to do that.”
The vice president said while he is happy to be the poster child for peace talks, they can often be complex, adding that it may be a messy road to a permanent deal.
“That sometimes requires one step forward, two steps back, then three steps forward and one step back,” Vance said of negotiations with Iran. “I can certainly understand the American people are maybe looking at this and they say, ‘Well, it seems like we’re making progress, and then it seems like we’re not.’”
TRUMP WARNS GAS PRICES COULD RISE AGAIN: ‘WE MAY HAVE TO SEND IT UP’
Vance added that Iran can be “difficult” and that there are people in its government who wish to see the war carry on.
“I do think that where we will ultimately land, it’s going to be messy, and it’s going to take some time to get there,” he said.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
