Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post accuses US Vice President JD Vance of hostility

The Jerusalem Post, an Israeli newspaper with close ties to the Netanyahu government, has published an editorial sharply criticizing US Vice President JD Vance, accusing him of hostility toward Israel and turning a blind eye to antisemitism. The piece claims Vance has remained silent in the face of growing criticism of Israel in right-wing media and has downplayed the seriousness of such rhetoric.

Allegations of Legitimizing Anti-Israel Sentiment

The editorial argues that by framing anti-Israel positions as legitimate foreign policy criticism, Vance is ignoring antisemitic tropes. It suggests his approach is a calculated political move and asserts that silence implicitly permits antisemitism. The newspaper also references Vance’s recent visit to Israel, where he broke with tradition by not visiting the Western Wall, choosing instead to go to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem—a decision that drew criticism from Zionist circles.

Political and Diplomatic Context

The editorial reflects growing tensions between parts of the Israeli political establishment and the current US administration. It underscores the sensitivity surrounding US-Israel relations and the symbolic weight of diplomatic gestures, such as visits to religious sites, in bilateral politics.