Netanyahu calls India one of Israel’s strongest supporters while pushing back at JD Vance’s remarks

Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described India as one of Israel’s strongest supporters while pushing back against remarks by US Vice President JD Vance that Israel should avoid criticising its “only powerful ally”, the United States.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News on Sunday (local time), Netanyahu said he respected Vance but did not agree with all of his views. He reiterated that US President Donald Trump remains Israel’s “greatest friend” in the White House.

“I respect JD Vance, and we have a very good relationship, but it doesn't mean that I agree with everything that he says. Donald Trump is the greatest friend we ever had in the White House, and I stand by that completely,” Netanyahu said.

Highlighting Israel’s international support, Netanyahu singled out India, saying the country has shown overwhelming backing for Israel.

“We have some other friends, like a small country called India. You know it has 1.4 billion people, and boy, do we have tremendous support there. You know, I have this Facebook thing, and I'm just flooded by the overwhelming support there,” he said.

Netanyahu added that Israel continues to enjoy support from many countries despite criticism on social media and in sections of the international media.

He said several world leaders had privately expressed respect for Israel and sought cooperation in areas such as defence, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“You know Israel is the number two country in cyber in the world, and our technology is so good. So the relations are not quite as they appear, and we have many, many friends,” he said.

Response to JD Vance's remarks

Netanyahu's comments came in response to remarks made by Vice President JD Vance last month during a White House briefing. Vance had urged Israel to avoid criticising the US as Washington pursued diplomatic efforts with Iran.

“If I was in the Cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” Vance had said while responding to reports that Israeli leaders were unhappy with the US-Iran agreement and had criticised President Trump.

Trump-Netanyahu meeting expected

Meanwhile, according to Axios, Trump said Netanyahu had requested a meeting at the White House after the US President returns from the NATO summit.

Trump said the two leaders had spoken by phone and agreed to meet soon. However, Israeli officials indicated the visit may take place the following week due to Trump's travel schedule.

The proposed meeting comes amid reported differences between Trump and Netanyahu over Iran, Lebanon and broader regional security issues. Despite those disagreements, both leaders have agreed to hold talks in Washington as Israel prepares for its October elections.

ANI