JD Vance seeks to reassure Jewish Republicans after questioning Israeli tactics

JD Vance seeks to reassure Jewish Republicans after questioning Israeli tactics Submitted by MEE staff on Tue, 09/01/2026 - 17:50 The Republican Party is grappling with increasing criticism of the previously untouchable US-Israel relationship US Vice President JD Vance speaks at a Maga Inc super Pac rally in Sterling Heights, Michigan on 31 August 2026 (Supplied by pool to Getty Images via AFP) Off US Vice President JD Vance has sought to reassure members of the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) that the Trump administration still has Israel top of mind, as he gave a closed-door speech at the group's Las Vegas convention on Monday. Politico, which obtained audio of the remarks, said Vance was met with “raucous applause” from what was a sceptical crowd, given the vice president's willingness to question the pro-Israeli lobby's influence on US politics, and to remain close to figures such as former Fox News personality Tucker Carlson, who has become a leading critic of Israel among Republicans. The RJC, which is staunchly pro-Israel, finds itself in an uphill battle as criticism of Israel skyrockets among young Republicans in particular.