US Vice-President JD Vance has sharply rebuked Israeli government critics of the US deal with Iran, saying cabinet members should remember that two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected Israel 'have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars.'
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Vance said: '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.' The US provides Israel about $4 billion in military assistance annually.
Vance Defends Trump-Iran Deal
Vance stressed that the problem for Israel is not President Donald Trump, and urged Israeli critics to 'wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in.' He defended the agreement signed this week to end the war with Iran, despite criticism from US and Israeli officials who say it fails to curb Iran’s missile program and provides no clear path to dismantling its nuclear facilities, while constraining Israel in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran Plans Fees on Strait of Hormuz
Iran announced plans to introduce a system of maritime fees in the Strait of Hormuz in two months, after the 60-day negotiation period triggered by the memorandum of understanding. Tehran stated the strait is under its control and that a European naval escort plan would not be welcome. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said Israel would maintain a 'security zone' in southern Lebanon as long as needed, while Trump expects a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel.
Other Trump Administration News
In other developments, the Trump administration quietly redirected $352 million in federal funds meant for the Secret Service toward the president’s controversial White House ballroom project, despite promises of private donations. Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook faced over $1.3 million in legal and security fees after being targeted by the White House. The administration reversed its decision to scrap a $368 million deep-sea observation system after outcry. Workers continue battling algae in Washington’s reflecting pool, a task the administration compared to the war with Iran.
The Supreme Court sided with a Texas marijuana user wanting to own a gun. Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George is set to become Washington DC’s next mayor. A California wealth tax on billionaires qualified for the November ballot. Pete Hegseth announced a review of US military presence in Europe, threatening cuts to countries with low defence spending.
