Statement by US Vice President Raises Questions in Israeli Circles

A comment by US Vice President JD Vance on distinguishing between criticizing the occupation and antisemitism has raised questions in Israeli circles, especially since the ready-made accusation for attackers on the occupation and its critics is antisemitism.

JD Vance said that one should not confuse disliking Israel or criticizing it with antisemitism.

These statements have raised questions in Tel Aviv regarding the direction of US policy, and whether the interests of the occupation and the United States might clash in the near future.

Anna Barsky, political correspondent for the Maariv newspaper, said this message is alarming in Tel Aviv. She added: "This is a major warning sign for Israel. Vance wrote that one should not link disliking Israel or criticizing it with antisemitism. These are trends that go beyond being just a passing statement, and when they come from the Vice President of the United States, it is something not to be taken lightly."

Barsky also addressed the prevailing perception among the occupation, specifically in certain right-wing circles, towards the Trump administration, saying: "There was a perception that it was an absolutely pro-Israel administration, to the extent that it would fulfill the dreams of the right. I have a feeling that we might see indications of a reversal in approach."

Regarding the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, scheduled in Florida on the 29th of this month, Barsky noted that Trump is operating from a broad perspective: "He does not necessarily want Turkey to be part of the international stabilization force in Gaza. He is thinking of the big picture."

And for him, the logic is: "Hey guys, move forward. I want to move to the next goal, including the Nobel Peace Prize. There's no time."

Nevertheless, Barsky confirmed that the gap between the two approaches might complicate things for Israel. She explained: "For Israel, it doesn't work that way. Netanyahu will come and say: For us, this is a matter of life or death. We can't just give in to keep up with your pace."