US-Iran deal strains US-Israel ties as Vance criticizes 'strange panic'

Vice President J.D. Vance publicly rebukes Israeli politicians over the emerging US-Iran deal, as Trump reportedly lashes out at Netanyahu.

US-Iran deal strains US-Israel ties as Vance criticizes 'strange panic' — US Vice President J.D. Vance harshly criticized Israeli politicians in a New York Times podcast interview for their 'strange panic' over the new nuclear deal with Iran, adding that 'a small state cannot solve security problems by simply killing everyone.'[^1] The public rebuke signals a deepening rift between the Trump administration and the Israeli government. Vance's comments came as President Donald Trump reportedly told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to 'Stop blowing up buildings' in Lebanon, according to a conversation cited in multiple reports.[^2] The 60-day US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, which includes Tehran opening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for an end to the naval blockade, has sparked anger in Netanyahu's circles, with some calling it 'probably the worst deal ever.'[^3] Emirati analyst Amjad Taha sharply criticized Trump for pressuring Israel to cease military operations against Hezbollah, calling the 60-day agreement 'a ceasefire with a shelf life shorter than a carton of milk.'[^4] Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post editorial warned that the deal may inadvertently strengthen Hezbollah by tying Lebanon's fate to Tehran's leverage, urging diplomacy that makes the North 'safer, not merely quieter.'[^5] The contrast between Israeli security concerns and American economic motives — driven by fear of midterm defeat, not ideology, according to a JPost analysis — is stark.[^6] Tucker Carlson, in his podcast, openly mocked Israel, describing how the Trump administration humiliated it by reaching understandings with Iran without consulting Jerusalem. 'We sent you a copy by email, b*tch. The adults are talking now,' Carlson quoted an American message.[^7] The episode reflects a broader erosion of bipartisan support: a Haaretz report notes that support for Israel is plummeting, and the government is spending over $40 million on an influence campaign targeting the Republican-Christian public.[^8] Netanyahu now faces a dilemma: open confrontation with the White House or submission to American dictates, which would harm his image. Haifa pride flag vandalized; ultra-Orthodox pro