Growing tensions between Washington and “Tel Aviv” extend far beyond the views of US Vice President J.D. Vance, reflecting a broader shift in the Trump administration’s approach to the Israeli occupation entity, according to Politico.
In a joint article by Felicia Schwartz, Alex Gangitano, and Dasha Burns, the publication said the Zionist government had assumed Donald Trump’s return to the White House would guarantee unwavering US backing, believing “Israel” would remain exempt from his “America First” doctrine. Instead, Israeli officials are increasingly recognizing that US interests now take precedence—even when they conflict with the Israeli occupation entity’s political and security priorities.
Vance Is Not the Problem: “Israel” Faces a Deeper Shift in US Policy
The report said this shift became evident following the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. While Israel viewed the operation as the beginning of a new phase of strategic alignment with Washington, the months that followed exposed widening divisions between the two allies.
Vance emphasized the new reality by cautioning the Israeli occupation that it had lost most of its international allies and should not assume President Trump’s support is guaranteed. He described Trump as the only world leader still firmly backing the Israeli occupation, while signaling that even this support is not unconditional or permanent.
Vance Reflects a Broader Policy Shift
According to US officials and informed sources, Vance’s remarks were not a personal position but reflected a growing consensus within the administration that “Israel” no longer occupies an exceptional place in American foreign policy.
The article also pointed to a noticeable decline in political engagement between the two countries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made fewer visits to Washington, and direct communication with the White House has diminished compared with last year. Sources expect the gap between the two governments to widen further in the coming months.
The report linked this policy shift to Vance’s growing influence within the administration. Once regarded as a hardliner whose views lay outside the mainstream, he has consistently argued that US and Israeli interests do not always align and that Washington should not be drawn into a confrontation with Iran on the Israeli occupation’s behalf.
As Vance assumed a central role in negotiations over Iran, his outlook appears to have gained greater weight in U.S. decision-making. A potential agreement with Tehran would advance the administration’s objectives of lowering oil prices and securing Gulf shipping lanes, even though it would do little to address Israel’s concerns over Iran’s missile program and regional influence.
The article also highlighted a shift in Trump’s own rhetoric towards Netanyahu. The US president reportedly criticized the Zionist prime minister over military operations in Lebanon, arguing that they risk undermining Washington’s efforts to reach an understanding with Iran.
Redefining US-Israeli Relations
Analysts cited in the report said the dispute reflects a fundamental divergence in priorities. While Washington views diplomatic engagement with Iran as serving its broader strategic interests, the Israeli occupation entity continues to see threats from Iran and Lebanon as immediate security concerns that cannot be deferred.
Despite these developments, the Israeli government is still attempting to portray the crisis as primarily tied to Vance rather than acknowledging a broader transformation in US policy. It also continues to bet on eventually restoring Trump’s full support.
However, sources close to the vice president assert that his positions closely align with Trump’s. They point to the president’s repeated criticism of Netanyahu—both publicly and behind closed doors—as evidence of a shared determination to redefine the US-Israeli relations in line with American national interests.
The article concluded that these developments come as both the United States and the Israeli occupation entity prepare for crucial elections, making further friction increasingly likely. Netanyahu is seeking clear backing from Trump ahead of Israel’s elections, while Vance is working to strengthen his standing within the Republican Party as he positions himself for future presidential contests.
According to Politico, the evolving dynamic represents far more than a temporary disagreement between officials. It signals a fundamental recalibration of relations between Washington and “Tel Aviv”—one that could have lasting consequences for both countries’ policies in the years ahead.
Source: Agencies (translated and edited by Al-Manar)