Vance says Israeli PM Netanyahu "has got some things wrong"

Thu Jun 11 2026 13:01:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Vice‑president JD Vance calls out Netanyahu’s approach amid growing tensions over the Iran war.

Vice‑president JD Vance has publicly noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu occasionally errs in his approach to the Middle East crisis, hinting at strains between Washington and Yad‑Aven. Vance warned that Netanyahu’s aggressive advocacy of Israeli interests can bring the two nations onto the same or opposing sides. The comments come amid a flare‑up of strikes between Iran and the United States, as well as heightened conflict in Lebanon where Israel targets Hezbollah. Trump’s own remarks about Netanyahu and the broader U.S. effort to curb Iran’s influence underscore a diverging strategic direction that could affect upcoming Israeli elections. The public admission of friction signals a cautious recalibration of U.S.–Israeli policy as both nations navigate the complexities of regional stability.

Vance says Israeli PM Netanyahu 'has got some things wrong'

Getty Images a close‑up of JD Vance talking to reporters

Vice‑president JD Vance told CBS News that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "certainly gotten some things wrong," hinting that Washington’s close partnership with Israel is now strained.

Vance didn’t list specifics but warned that Netanyahu “aggressively asserts the interests of his country” and that those interests are not always aligned with U.S. priorities. The U.S. official implied that, in some cases, Israel’s moves put it on the same side as Washington; in others, it puts it at odds.

The comments come as a flare‑up between the United States and Iran has reignited, with both sides exchanging strikes for a second consecutive day. The ceasefire that had held since April now faces renewed pressure as Israel continues an operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Trump had previously described Netanyahu as “effing crazy” in a phone conversation and criticized his handling of the Lebanon‑Iran conflict. The president’s broader aim is to secure an agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and check Iran’s nuclear programme.

Public admission of friction exposes a delicate dance between the U.S. and Israel amid a war that is increasingly unpopular among Americans and may impact the political landscape back in Israel, where Netanyahu faces forthcoming elections.

While Netanyahu has downplayed any rift, the tension could influence the future of U.S. security strategy in the Middle East and the balance of power in the region.

Source: BBC News