In an extraordinary breach of diplomatic protocol, US Senator J.D. Vance has openly accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of strategic failures in Gaza. Sources confirm the Ohio Republican made the remarks during a closed-door briefing with fellow senators, documents of which have been obtained by this newsroom.
Vance, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance, reportedly said Netanyahu's approach 'lacks clear objectives and has unnecessarily prolonged the conflict.' The senator's office has not denied the comments, but a spokesperson said Vance 'remains committed to Israel's security.'
The accusation marks a rare split in the traditionally unified Republican support for Netanyahu. It comes amid growing international criticism of Israel's military campaign, which has resulted in over 30,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza health officials. US intelligence assessments have also questioned the feasibility of Israel's stated goal of 'eliminating Hamas,' calling it 'unattainable' in internal memos reviewed by this reporter.
Vance's break with ranks is significant. He has been a vocal advocate for Israel, co-sponsoring resolutions condemning Hamas. His shift suggests a growing impatience within the GOP with Netanyahu's leadership, particularly as the conflict risks escalating into a regional war.
'This is a man who follows the money and finds the bodies,' a senior Senate aide told me. 'If Vance is turning, it means the donor class is getting nervous.' Indeed, campaign finance records show Vance received over $2 million from pro-Israel PACs in his 2022 election. His about-face could signal that those donors are now questioning Netanyahu's strategy.
Netanyahu's office dismissed Vance's remarks as 'uninformed and disconnected from the reality on the ground.' But other Israeli officials have privately expressed frustration with the lack of a post-war plan, as documented in leaked diplomatic cables.
The Biden administration has remained publicly supportive of Israel's right to self-defense, but behind closed doors, officials are increasingly alarmed. A state department source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: 'We've been telling Netanyahu for months: you need a viable political strategy, not just a military one. He doesn't listen.'
Vance's accusation is the latest sign that the longest-serving Israeli prime minister is losing support in his most crucial ally. Whether this leads to a shift in US policy remains to be seen. But for now, the silence from Washington is deafening. And in this city, silence is its own accusation.
