Washington: US Vice President JD Vance has rejected a common narrative promoted by some pro-Israel groups, stating that criticism of the Israeli government or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not automatically be labeled as anti-Semitism.
In an interview, Vance departed from his traditionally pro-Israel stance and argued that not every criticism directed at Israel or Netanyahu amounts to hostility toward Jewish people. He noted that this distinction is rarely discussed publicly by senior leaders within the Republican Party.
According to Vance, many pro-Israel circles make the mistake of treating all criticism of Israeli government policies as anti-Semitism. He emphasized that questioning the policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu is not the same as expressing hatred toward Jews. He also said that some groups fail to distinguish between American and Israeli interests, despite the fact that they are not always identical.
Responding to a question about Charlie Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump who was killed in September 2025, Vance said that Kirk opposed anti-Semitism but was also concerned about what he viewed as growing Israeli influence in American politics.
Observers say Vance’s remarks represent a notable shift in his public position. In the past, he generally avoided directly challenging narratives promoted by pro-Israel lobbying groups. His latest comments are being viewed as significant, particularly in light of recent conflicts involving Iran and ongoing concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon.