Vance says Israeli PM Netanyahu 'has got some things wrong'

June 11, 2026

Tensions between the US and Israel have surfaced publicly as Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made errors, though he declined to specify examples. The friction stems from Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which have complicated President Trump's efforts to negotiate peace with Iran and reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Trump recently called Netanyahu "effing crazy" for persistently engaging in conflict with Lebanon, as the US seeks to extract itself from the Middle East conflict.

Who is affected

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
American voters facing midterm elections in November
Israeli voters facing elections this year
At least 3,696 killed in Lebanon according to Lebanon's health ministry
30 Israeli soldiers and 4 Israeli civilians killed on both sides of the border
Hezbollah fighters and Iranian-backed groups
Tehran/Iranian government
Global energy markets impacted by the Strait of Hormuz blockade

What action is being taken

Israel is conducting strikes across Lebanon and occupying a significant portion of southern Lebanon
The US and Iran are exchanging strikes for a second consecutive day
Israel is continuing an operation aimed at Hezbollah
Trump administration officials are publicly criticizing Netanyahu's actions
Tehran is demanding that any peace agreement also cover Lebanon
Trump is seeking a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and limit Iran's nuclear program

Why it matters

This conflict represents a significant strain in the historically strong US-Israel alliance, particularly during a Trump administration that has typically been an ardent supporter of Israel. The ongoing military operations threaten Trump's broader strategic goals of ending the Middle East conflict, resolving the global energy crisis caused by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and limiting Iran's nuclear capabilities. The deteriorating relationship reflects shifting American public opinion on the Iran war, which could impact the upcoming midterm elections, while both leaders face domestic political consequences that may drive their decision-making in ways that further diverge from each other's interests.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC