WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance issued a pointed rebuke on Thursday directed at Israeli officials who have criticized the U.S.-Iran agreement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States, Israel’s most powerful ally.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Vance addressed members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet who have publicly disparaged the deal and taken aim at President Donald Trump. He underscored the unique position of the Trump administration in supporting Israel on the global stage.

"Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time, and he happens to be the head of state of the world’s superpower," Vance said. “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.”

Highlighting America’s financial and military support, Vance reminded Israeli officials that two-thirds of the weaponry defending their country is American-made and funded by U.S. taxpayers. The message underscored the diplomatic strains between the Trump administration and Netanyahu’s government, only months after a joint military campaign targeted Iranian interests.

Israel is not a participant in the ongoing negotiations to resolve the conflict in the region. Moreover, continued clashes with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia in Lebanon, have complicated U.S.-led diplomatic efforts. American officials have expressed concern that Israel’s military actions could undermine the broader talks with Iran.

Vance’s comments followed President Trump’s own reprimand of Netanyahu over the Israeli military operations in Lebanon, signaling a marked shift in the U.S.-Israeli dynamic. Through his remarks, Vance sought to reinforce the need for Israel to consider its diplomatic relationship with the United States carefully amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape.