Fox News host Brian Kilmeade said Vice President JD Vance must rethink his recent criticisms of Israel during Friday's edition of "The Five" [1].
The exchange highlights a growing tension between the administration's foreign policy approach and the traditional pro-Israel alignment of the conservative media base.
Kilmeade said Vance's comments regarding the Israeli government were problematic and suggested that the Vice President's current strategy is misguided [1]. He specifically targeted Vance's rhetoric, saying, "He has to rethink his attack" [1].
The discussion shifted toward the Iran-Israel situation, which Kilmeade described as "very vague and concerning" [2]. The host linked these concerns to a specific diplomatic agreement, saying, "This is his deal" [2]. Kilmeade said the Vice President should redirect his aggression toward Tehran, saying, "I wish he would be that tough with Iran" [3].
These comments occurred hours after a planned trip by Vance to Switzerland to formalize the Iran deal was postponed [3]. The postponement adds a layer of timing to the internal party friction regarding how the U.S. manages its relationships with both Israel and Iran.
Throughout the program, Kilmeade said the Vice President should reconsider his position to avoid further diplomatic or political misalignment [2].
“"He has to rethink his attack."”
The public friction between a prominent Fox News host and the Vice President signals a potential rift in the Republican coalition's approach to Middle East diplomacy. By criticizing the 'vague' nature of the Iran deal and the targeting of Israel, Kilmeade is reflecting a wing of the party that views any perceived softening on Israel or negotiation with Iran as a strategic error.
