US VP Vance criticizes Israel's 'freakout' over Iran deal

US Vice President JD Vance has criticized Israel's reaction to the US-Iran agreement, describing it as a "weird panic" and "freakout." Vance suggested in a New York Times interview that this reaction stems from a lack of trust in the United States, which he believes has earned the region's trust and treated Israel well.

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There is this weird panic almost in the Israeli system that I’ve picked up on where they assume that everything that is contemplated that is good for Iran will happen, but that will happen without the Iranians changing any behaviour.

Vance argued that the Israeli assumption that any positive development for Iran will occur without behavioral changes from Tehran is unfounded. He clarified that the deal's structure would prevent sanctions removal if Iran continues to fund organizations like Hezbollah, which the US designates as a terrorist group.

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That's not how the deal is written.

President Donald Trump also attempted to downplay Israeli concerns at the G7 summit, suggesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could adopt a "softer touch" in dealing with Hezbollah. The agreement, a memorandum of understanding, defers complex issues to future negotiations without guaranteed resolution.

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I find this whole freakout in Israel a little bit odd because I think that it comes from a place of mistrust, and I think that America has earned the trust of that region of the world.

Vance directly addressed critics like Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, questioning their concrete proposals and stating that Israel, a nation of 9 million, cannot solve all its security problems through force. Meanwhile, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Israel's strong ties with the U.S., acknowledging American support during the conflict with Iran and stressing the need for calm judgment and preserving the vital relationship.

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We’ve done a very good job by that particular country and that particular government.