JD Vance accuses Israel of manipulating US public opinion to prolong Iran war

US Vice-President JD Vance has accused some members of the Israeli government of trying to manipulate American public opinion to prolong the war with Iran. In an interview published Wednesday on the podcast of conservative commentator Joe Rogan, Vance stated that while he trusts some individuals in the Israeli government, others are "manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that the president would likely agree that foreign countries try to persuade US public opinion. Vance also mentioned that there is "exact evidence" that some Israeli leaders "hate the deal" – the memorandum of understanding (MOU) reached between the US and Iran last month. That MOU allowed for continued formal negotiations, included an abandoned 60-day ceasefire, and a condition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but tensions there have resumed.

Vance has been heavily involved in Iran negotiations, attending talks in Pakistan in April and traveling to Switzerland in June for the signing of the MOU. He said he "doesn't mind" criticism from Israeli elements but is bothered when American leaders allow such influence to affect their judgment. In June, he urged Israeli political leaders not to attack "the only powerful ally" they have left in the world.

Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a measure to cut billions of dollars in aid to Israel. The motion failed 314-104, with several Democrats voting in favor of ending funding, reflecting a shift within the party away from unequivocal support for Israel.

The US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran in February, prompting Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel and US-allied Gulf states. Fighting has also spread to Lebanon. Israel considers Iran an existential threat and seeks the complete removal of Iran's nuclear and missile program as well as regime change.