U.S. Vice‑President J.D. Vance told CBS News that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "certainly gotten some things wrong", signaling that the long‑existing friendship is now frayed as both nations grapple with the escalating Iran war.
Vance did not give examples but said that Netanyahu aggressively pursues Israeli interests, which do not always line up with U.S. priorities, and that when the two sides disagree, America will "have to choose the side of the American people". He added that those conversations are sometimes better kept private.
The remarks follow a series of public clashes, such as President Trump calling Netanyahu "effing crazy" in a phone conversation and the U.S. and Iran exchanging strikes for a second consecutive day. These incidents threaten the cease‑fire that has held since April and have put Israel’s southern operations in Lebanon under international scrutiny.
While Israel frames the Lebanese campaign as a counter‑measures against Hezbollah, Tehran demands that any peace deal incorporate Lebanon, a stance that has stalled talks. Trump's pursuit of a new agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb Iran's nuclear program has dovetailed with Israel’s campaign, further tightening the diplomatic squeeze.
Netanyahu, who will face a nationwide election later this year, has down‑played the rift and stressed the enduring bond between the two leaders. He noted that tactical disagreements are common even among "best of families", and that both sides will resolve them as "great friends".
