US Vice‑President Says Israeli PM Netanyahu Has ‘Got Things Wrong’

Fri Jun 12 2026 08:58:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Vance highlights misaligned interests with Netanyahu amid Middle East tensions, hinting at strain in US‑Israel ties.

Vice‑President J.D. Vance accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sometimes having misaligned interests with the United States, especially amid heightened tensions over the Iran war and Lebanon. He said Netanyahu is “aggressively” pushing Israel’s agenda, which can clash with U.S. policies. The comment reflects growing strain between the two allies after recent military incidents and Trump’s frustration with Israel’s operations. While Netanyahu downplays the rift, U.S. polls suggest growing disapproval of the war among Americans ahead of elections. The remarks arrive as Israel and Iran trade strikes, complicating ceasefire talks and a potential deal for the Strait of Hormuz.

US Vice‑President Says Israeli PM Netanyahu Has ‘Got Things Wrong’

Vice‑President J.D. Vance warned that Israel’s prime minister sometimes pushes the country’s priorities without full alignment with U.S. interests, saying the U.S. “does what’s best for America” when disagreements arise.

Vance’s remarks come after a flare‑up in the Iran war, when Israeli strikes in Lebanon sparked renewed clashes, and after the Trump administration’s push for a deal to end Iran’s nuclear program.

He declined to name specific incidents, noting some conversations are best kept private. However, he highlighted that Netanyahu’s aggressive stance has sometimes put Israel and the U.S. on opposite sides.

The tension follows President Trump’s criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of the Lebanon conflict and a broader U.S. push to limit Iran’s military reach.

Israel, meanwhile, maintains that it is fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon and downplays the rift, labeling it a “tactical disagreement” that can be resolved.

U.S. public opinion shows growing war fatigue, with many Americans expressing uncertainty about the long‑term costs of the conflict. Netanyahu faces a looming election that will test his standing amid the crisis.