By Fridah Mbuvi, June 11, 2026
US Vice President JD Vance has publicly acknowledged tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “certainly gotten some things wrong,” in one of the clearest signs yet of friction between the Trump administration and one of its closest allies.
Speaking in an interview with CBS News, Vance declined to elaborate on specific disagreements, saying such matters are “better left in private,” but stressed that American and Israeli interests do not always align.
The comments come as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to secure a nuclear agreement and long-term settlement with Iran, a strategy that Vance described as a potential “home run for the American people.” He acknowledged that Israel may oppose aspects of the deal, but insisted the United States must prioritize its own national interests.
“Where that diverges, we, unfortunately for the Israelis, have to choose the side of the American people,” Vance said.
Differences have also emerged over Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed frustration with Netanyahu over continued strikes, while the White House pushes for a broader regional peace framework. Israel, however, maintains that its campaign in Lebanon falls outside the scope of the April ceasefire agreement.
Further tensions have surfaced over the occupied West Bank, where Vance criticized a preliminary parliamentary vote by Israeli hardliners supporting annexation. He described the move as “a very stupid political stunt” and an “insult” to Trump administration policy.
The disagreements come as both governments face mounting domestic political pressures. In the United States, growing public opposition to conflict with Iran has become a concern ahead of the November midterm elections. In Israel, Netanyahu is navigating his own electoral challenges and has sought to downplay the differences with Washington, describing them as “tactical disagreements” that occur “in the best of families.”
Despite the unusually candid criticism, Vance reaffirmed that Netanyahu remains “a good partner” and emphasized that military and strategic cooperation between the two countries would continue.
