Netanyahu Says 'Straightened Out' Rift With Vance Over Israel Criticism After Direct Talks

Published 30 July 2026 · politics

Netanyahu Says 'Straightened Out' Rift With Vance Over Israel Criticism After Direct Talks Published By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 00:20 IST The meeting follows

Netanyahu Says 'Straightened Out' Rift With Vance Over Israel Criticism After Direct Talks Published By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 00:20 IST The meeting follows months of increasingly public disagreements between Vance and Netanyahu since the Israel-Iran war began in late February. US Vice President JD Vance with with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AFP file photo) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had “straightened out" differences with US Vice President JD Vance over Israel’s approach to Iran, dismissing suggestions that his government had sought to influence Washington’s policy during the conflict. In an interview with ABC News published on Thursday, Netanyahu rejected claims that Israel had attempted to shape US policy on Iran, stressing that American policy is decided solely by President Donald Trump. Responding to a question about Vance’s recent remarks on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Netanyahu said he had discussed the issue directly with the vice president.

“We’re not, actually. And I had a very good conversation with the Vice President this morning. And I think we straightened that out because that’s not our policy," Netanyahu said. Earlier this month, Vice President JD Vance stated on “The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast that elements within Netanyahu’s government were “manipulating" U.S. public opinion and running a paid campaign to derail U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin… pic.twitter.com/E4rXrYs3Bf — ABC News (@ABC) July 30, 2026 “Individuals in our system can have their opinions, but government policy is dictated by me. And that’s not our policy," he added. ‘Frank’ Netanyahu-Vance Meeting Earlier, Axios reported that Netanyahu and Vance held a private one-on-one meeting at Blair House in Washington on Tuesday. An Israeli official described the meeting as “frank and candid", while a US official called the conversation “direct". Citing Israeli and US officials, Axios reported that Netanyahu raised Vance’s recent criticism of his government and concerns about Israel’s standing among Republican leaders during the discussion.

A second US official told the outlet that the two leaders had a “cordial and productive conversation" on Middle East issues, agreeing to continue working together on areas of shared interest. The official also stressed that the meeting was not confrontational and that Netanyahu and Vance maintain a productive working relationship despite recent disagreements. Vance’s Criticism Of Israel The meeting follows months of increasingly public disagreements between Vance and Netanyahu since the Israel-Iran war began in late February. Earlier this month, Vance alleged on The Joe Rogan Experience that elements within Netanyahu’s government were “manipulating" American public opinion and running a paid campaign to undermine US-Iran peace negotiations. He also warned Israeli critics of the Iran peace deal against alienating what he described as their “only powerful ally" left in the world. The difference came as Vance took a leading role in defending the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which Netanyahu privately opposed while hoping the agreement would collapse.