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Source: https://www.jns.org/opinion/jonathan-s-tobin/the-jd-vance-foreign-policy-test-ride-is-a-disaster
The Vice President Scolds Israelis for Acting Like America Would
(JNS) Jonathan S. Tobin - U.S. Vice President JD Vance was dispatched to Switzerland to negotiate a conclusion to the war on Iran. The pact with Iran is almost certain to be construed by America's enemies and allies as a humiliating defeat. Washington is already unfreezing assets that will result in the regime getting billions in funds that it can use to solidify its tyrannical hold on power, as well as reinforce its beleaguered Hamas and Hizbullah terror auxiliaries. On June 18, Vance scolded Israelis, including members of the government, for having the temerity to criticize the U.S. for abandoning the war, strengthening an enemy nation, and betraying the persecuted people of Iran by ensuring that their tyrants will stay in power. The not-so-subtle message to Jerusalem was that it was a vassal state that had better shut up about being betrayed. Israel is no vassal state. The U.S. gets enormous benefits from its alliance with this democratic Middle East partner in terms of weapon development and intelligence. Vance himself stated in 2024 that it's the ideal ally since, unlike Europe, Israel fights alongside America. Now Vance said, "You're a country of 9 million people. You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have." That accusation was unfair. Israel isn't trying to kill its way out of anything. It was viciously attacked on Oct. 7, 2023, by Iranian minions who carried out the worst mass slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust. It was the target of direct missile barrages launched on April 14 and Oct. 1, 2024. And it was attacked by missiles, rockets and drones throughout the war that started on Feb. 28, leading to casualties, damage and sending much of the country into bomb shelters day after day. Had America been similarly attacked, we know very well that Trump and Vance would have exacted a far greater revenge on the assailants than the targeted strikes that Israel executed on Iranian targets. Vance vented his contempt and lack of sympathy for an ally that fought side by side with American forces and who were essential to the success America achieved.