Amid a rapidly evolving situation in West Asia, US Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that the United States and Israel are not always in sync, as President Donald Trump's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been tested over the Iran war. Vance made the remarks in an exclusive interview with CBS, which is set to air on June 14.
Vance on US-Israel Alignment
In the interview with CBS correspondent Robert Costa, Vance stated that while Israel has been a very close partner of the United States, there may be times when the two countries have interests that are misaligned. He emphasized that the US would prioritize its own interests in such situations.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu, look, he governs a country that has obviously been a very close partner of the United States. But, even when we've been close partners, sometimes we have interests that are perfectly aligned, and sometimes we have interests that are misaligned," Vance told Costa.
Vance described Netanyahu as a leader who "aggressively asserts the interests of his country" but noted that Trump "has been very clear about what is in our best interest." He added, "Sometimes that means we're on the same page and sometimes it means that we're not. Where that diverges, we, unfortunately for the Israelis, have to choose the side of the American people, which we always do."
Netanyahu's Approach to Relationship
When asked whether Netanyahu has made mistakes in handling the relationship with the US, Vance replied, "He's certainly gotten some things wrong." However, he declined to provide specific examples, stating that those conversations "are better left in private."
"But what I would say is that he's been a good partner. We're gonna keep on working together. But where interests diverge, the United States is gonna pursue the best interests of our nation, and that's how it's gonna be," Vance added.
Background of Trump-Netanyahu Tensions
These comments come after President Trump recently expressed dissonance in his conversations with Netanyahu regarding the West Asia conflict and Israel's military response. The US administration has been navigating a complex relationship with Israel amid the ongoing Iran war, balancing strategic partnership with an America-first foreign policy approach.
