JD Vance accuses Israel of 'manipulating' US public opinion to prolong Iran war
US Vice-President JD Vance has accused members of the Israeli government of manipulating American public opinion to prolong the conflict with Iran. Vance claims there is evidence of a well-funded campaign to derail US-Iran negotiations, though the Israeli government has not yet responded to these allegations.
Why it matters
The comments highlight growing friction between the US administration and its key ally, Israel, regarding diplomatic strategies in the Middle East.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images By Grace Eliza Goodwin Published 1 hour ago US Vice-President JD Vance has accused some members of the Israeli government of trying to influence Americans' opinions to prolong the Iran war.
In an interview published on Wednesday, Vance told conservative podcaster Joe Rogan that while he trusts some people within the Israeli government, there are others "who are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely".
The Israeli government did not immediately respond to Vance's comments.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said: "I think the president would certainly agree that, yes, foreign countries certainly do try to persuade American public opinion."
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, Vance said that people within the Israeli government have been trying to shift the US away from its efforts to negotiate with Iran.
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