JD Vance tells Iran deal critics in Israel: Trump is your only ally left in the world

US Vice President JD Vance has sharply criticized Israeli cabinet members who oppose the recent US-Iran agreement to end the war, emphasizing that Donald Trump is the only head of state sympathetic to Israel at this moment. At a White House press briefing, Vance warned that two-thirds of Israel's defensive weapons are built and paid for by American taxpayers, referencing the roughly $4 billion in annual military assistance Washington provides. He advised Israeli officials to stop attacking the only powerful ally they have left.

The deal, reached this week, aims to end the conflict with Iran but has faced criticism both in the US and Israel for failing to curb Tehran's missile program and lacking a clear plan to dismantle its nuclear facilities. Critics also say it constrains Israel's operations against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has not officially responded, but anonymous senior Israeli officials have called the terms bad for Israel. Vance specifically singled out National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, saying a country of 9 million cannot solve all its security problems solely through force. Ben-Gvir responded on X, comparing Iran to Nazi Germany and urging action akin to the US response in the 20th century.

Trump, in a social media post after Vance's remarks, called for a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel. Meanwhile, Israel published a map on Thursday showing an expanded military control zone in southern Lebanon and said it would not rule out strikes beyond it, challenging the terms of the US-Iran agreement. Netanyahu is scheduled to hold a news conference on Monday.