US VP Says Israeli PM Netanyahu ‘Got Things Wrong’—Tension Escalates

Sat Jun 13 2026 13:45:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Vice-President JD Vance publicly critiqued Netanyahu, hinting at frayed Israel‑US ties amid rising Middle East tensions.

In a sharp briefing, Vice‑President JD Vance accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of having made mistakes, noting their partnership has become strained. He highlighted that Netanyahu’s aggressive pursuit of Israeli interests sometimes clashes with U.S. priorities, forcing the U.S. to choose sides. The remarks come amid a renewed conflict between the U.S. and Iran, coupled with Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. As Israeli elections approach, the rift could influence domestic politics and the broader Middle East peace prospects.

US VP Says Israeli PM Netanyahu ‘Got Things Wrong’—Tension Escalates

In a recent conversation with CBS News, US Vice‑President JD Vance openly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for taking the wrong approach on several fronts. Vance said Netanyahu “aggressively asserts the interests of his country” but these interests do not always line up with those of the United States, creating a frayed partnership.

The VP added that when the U.S. and Israel diverge, the United States must choose the side of its people, while Netanyahu claimed the same ties remained intact and even downplayed the feud in interview with CNBC. Vance chose not to list specific incidents, noting such conversations are “often better left in private.”

These remarks arrive as U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged strikes for a second day, straining the ceasefire that has held since April. The conflict also tests the U.S. and Israel’s joint stance on Israel’s campaign across Lebanon to counter Hezbollah fighters.

Meanwhile, Israeli elections loom this year as Netanyahu seeks to assure voters that the country is succeeding against Iranian influence. The fallout from Vance’s comments may shape public opinion, potentially altering the course of the war and future U.S. foreign policy.

• For more on the US‑Israel dynamic, read the full story.