Speaking at a press conference in West Jerusalem alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, US Vice President JD Vance dismissed the notion that Israel functions as a subordinate or “vassal” state to the United States.
“We don’t view Israel as a client state – because it’s not,” Vance said. “We seek a strong partnership, a true ally.”
He added that President Donald Trump believes Israel is capable of taking on a significant leadership role in the region, enabling the United States to adopt a more supportive, less direct, position.
Vance also suggested that the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza could serve as a gateway to broadening the Abraham Accords – a set of normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab states brokered by Washington during Trump’s first term.
“I believe this Gaza agreement is a key to unlocking further progress on the Abraham Accords,” Vance stated. “It has the potential to lay the foundation for a lasting alliance in the Middle East – one that empowers the people of the region to take charge of their own future.”
He added, “That outcome aligns with the interests of the United States and I believe it serves Israel’s interests as well.”
