Friction Between US, Israel Surfaces Again; Whom Did US Vice President JD Vance Tell To 'go To Hell'?

Washington: Amidst the escalating conflict involving Iran and the US, US Vice President-elect JD Vance has made remarks that expose the friction in Israel-US relations. In a conversation, Vance bluntly told those behind an Israeli social media campaign—which sought to discredit and derail a potential US-Iran peace deal—to "go to hell." Expressing anger at the individuals behind the campaign, he reiterated that they should "go to hell." During a three-hour interview on 'The Joe Rogan Experience', he accused certain elements in Israel of wanting to prolong the conflict with Iran indefinitely rather than achieving a specific strategic objective.

What did JD Vance say?

Vance stated, "We are well aware that there are people there who are shaping and influencing American public opinion to ensure the war drags on indefinitely." He noted that individuals linked to the Israeli government launched a campaign against him because he was attempting to broker a deal with Iran that aligned with the goals set by US President Donald Trump.

He explained that the campaign involved leaking information to journalists and launching social media attacks aimed at undermining his efforts. Referring to those behind the campaign, Vance said, "Go to hell." He affirmed that he would continue to do what he believes is right for the American people. Vance also referred to recent reports indicating that individuals paid by a former Trump campaign official—who had himself received funding from Israeli government sources—had attacked him over his stance on Iran.

Attacking a strong ally?

He stated that he had no objection to criticism of a potential deal from within the US government or to attempts by foreign governments to influence Washington. "Israel does it, and other countries do it too," he said. He said, "It actually bothers me when Americans let that influence their decisions." These remarks by Vance represent the harshest criticism of Israeli officials to date regarding a potential war with Iran. Last month, he publicly criticized members of the Israeli government for attacking Washington's diplomacy with Tehran, stating that had he been an Israeli minister, he would not have lashed out at the only strong ally left in the world.`