We chose this week’s cover story because US Vice President JD Vance, who could take over from his boss in 2028, recently outlined a wider political vision that could reshape the contours of America’s Middle East policy, especially with regards to Israel and Iran.
Speaking to podcaster Joe Rogan for almost three hours, Vance took aim not just at Israel (which, he said, wanted the US to keep fighting Iran) but American lawmakers who had been influenced by pro-Israel lobbyists to press the White House into bombing, not talking. On the latter, he has been heavily involved in negotiations with Iran to come to an agreement that would limit Tehran’s ability to pursue a nuclear weapon.
More importantly, Vance’s comments point to a shift both within the Republican Party, where American interests increasingly come above those of allies, and of the American public, whose sympathy with Israel is on the wane. Interestingly, the US-funded ten-year $38bn military aid programme to Israel is up for renewal around the time of the next presidential election.
Are we seeing the emergence of a ‘Vance Doctrine,’ one where Washington no longer fears to treat Israel as just another ally? Time will tell. What seems certain is that the vice-president reflects changing views on the American right. Tel Aviv will be worried.
READ MORE:
1. JD Vance alarms the US pro-Israel hawks by putting America First by Tarek Rashed
2. The Intellectual Odyssey of JD Vance by Bryn Haworth
3. JD Vance and the reinvention of US conservatism by Stefanie Butendieck-Hjerra
4. From sanctions to investment: what could Iran gain from a deal? by Al Majalla
