JD Vance accuses Israel of 'manipulating' US public opinion to prolong Iran war

In an interview published on Wednesday, Vance told conservative podcaster Joe Rogan that while he trusts some people within the Israeli government, there are others "who are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely".

The Israeli government did not immediately respond to Vance's comments. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said: "I think the president would certainly agree that, yes, foreign countries certainly do try to persuade American public opinion."

"I definitely think you have seen this very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign to try to derail the negotiation and try to derail the deal," he said, adding there is "exact evidence" that some Israeli leaders "hate the deal".

Vance has been heavily involved in negotiations with Iran - attending negotiations in Pakistan in April and travelling to Switzerland in June for the signing of the MOU.

"What bothers me is actually when Americans allow, meaning American leadership allows, that influence to affect their judgement and to affect what they are advocating for," he said.

It is the latest in a series of criticisms the vice-president has recently made against Israel as the Trump administration continues to try to find an end to the war, both through diplomatic negotiations and renewed military strikes.

Israel considers Iran a threat to its existence and wants the complete removal of Iran's nuclear and missile programme, as well as regime change.

The motion failed by 314 votes to 104, with several Democrats voting in favour of ending the funding - reflecting a shift within the party away from supporting Israel unequivocally. In Trump's shadow, Vance becomes face of Iran deal