A growing number of conservatives are now reportedly criticizing Vice President JD Vance after comments he made during a White House press briefing regarding Israel’s opposition to the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
Among the most outspoken critics was Rep. Randy Fine, who sharply rebuked the vice president during an appearance on the conservative network Real America’s Voice Friday morning.
“I thought JD’s comments yesterday were absolutely inappropriate and frankly disgusting,” Fine said.
The controversy stems from remarks Vance made while defending the memorandum of understanding signed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The agreement launches a 60-day negotiation period aimed at securing a broader peace deal and calls for a halt to hostilities, including fighting involving Lebanon.
During Thursday’s briefing, Vance expressed frustration with Israeli leaders who have publicly criticized the agreement.
“If I was in the Cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” Vance said.
His comments immediately sparked backlash among some Republicans and conservative commentators who viewed the remarks as unfairly directed at one of America’s closest allies.
Israel has maintained a close relationship with the United States for decades and has continued military operations against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah during the broader conflict involving Iran. On Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces carried out strikes against Hezbollah targets Thursday evening.
According to Netanyahu, the operation came in response to what he described as a “heinous attack” carried out by the militant group. He said Israeli forces struck Hezbollah “with force.”
The military activity has complicated efforts to advance the U.S.-Iran agreement. Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that continued fighting between Israel and Lebanon could jeopardize the ceasefire framework and broader negotiations.
Addressing those concerns during Thursday’s briefing, Vance argued that progress toward a diplomatic breakthrough has repeatedly been disrupted by violence. He pointed to explosions in civilian areas of Beirut and said innocent people with no connection to Hezbollah have lost their lives.
“That’s not acceptable,” Vance said.
Fine, who is Jewish, rejected the vice president’s criticism of Israel and argued that Vance should have a deeper appreciation of the country’s history.
“The state of Israel was not created by the United States,” Fine said. “It is not funded by the United States, except in some small way. It was created in the blood and sweat and tears of the Jewish people rising out of the Holocaust.”
The criticism was not limited to lawmakers. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade also expressed surprise at Vance’s remarks.
“I wish he would be that tough with Iran,” Kilmeade said, adding that he was “shocked” by the vice president’s criticism of Israel.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich echoed similar concerns on social media. Gingrich questioned why Israeli leaders were facing criticism while responding to attacks from Hezbollah.
“Why is Israel getting blamed for trying to protect its citizens from Hezbollah attacks?” Gingrich wrote.
He went on to argue that Iran funds and arms Hezbollah and encourages attacks against Israelis, while Israel is acting to defend its citizens.
The disagreement highlights growing tensions within conservative circles over how best to balance support for a longtime ally with efforts to secure a broader ceasefire. While supporters of the memorandum argue that diplomacy offers a path toward ending further bloodshed, critics contend that Israel should not be faulted for responding to attacks against its people as negotiations continue.
[READ MORE: Fox & Friends Hosts Press for Answers on Trump-Iran Ceasefire Framework as Questions Persist]
