Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to American Vice President J.D. Vance's recent remarks about Israel's allies during a Sunday interview with Fox News Sunday Briefing. According to reports from ANI, Vance had previously stated that Israel should respect US-Iran peace talks, noting that Israel has 'the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.' In a video interview, 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.' Netanyahu directly countered this claim with sarcasm, stating that Israel has 'some other friends' and emphasized that support extends beyond traditional allies. As reported by ANI, Netanyahu acknowledged that no country matched the United States in terms of its strategic partnership with Israel, describing Washington as an indispensable ally. However, he stressed that Israel was far from isolated, pointing to the support it continued to receive from countries beyond the US. Netanyahu further clarified his position, stating that 'Donald Trump is the greatest friend we ever had in the White House, and I stand by that completely,' while maintaining his respect for Vance's position. Netanyahu added that 'He and I have a very good relationship, but that doesn't mean I agree with everything he says,' and dismissed claims of any divide with President Trump, stating 'I don't think there's a rift between us.'
Netanyahu specifically highlighted India's support as a key example of Israel's diverse international relationships, emphasizing the country's significance as a strategic partner. As reported by ANI, Netanyahu described India as 'a small country called India' with 1.4 billion people and emphasized that Israel receives 'tremendous support' from the country. According to Washington reports, Netanyahu emphasized that 'We have some other friends, like a small country called India, it has 1.4 billion people, and boy, do we have tremendous support there.' Netanyahu noted that he has received 'overwhelming support' on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook, suggesting that Israel's international standing extends beyond traditional diplomatic channels. The Prime Minister further claimed that he is 'flooded by the overwhelming support' from India on social media, asserting that his country has many other allies despite facing significant backlash from around the world over wars with Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. Netanyahu added that 'This Facebook thing, and I'm just flooded by the overwhelming support there, and we have many others. Many leaders call me up and say, hey, look, I've got this problem with public opinion, but I want you to know we respect you,' demonstrating the breadth of international support beyond formal diplomatic channels.
Netanyahu detailed how Israel's technological capabilities are driving international cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relationships. According to ANI, the Prime Minister revealed that 'many leaders' contact him seeking assistance with cybersecurity challenges and military expertise. He emphasized that Israel is the number two country in cyber globally, with technology so advanced that it creates opportunities for international partnerships. As reported by ANI, Netanyahu explained that 'Many leaders, you know, call me up and say, 'Hey, look, I've got this problem with public opinion, but I want you to know we respect you, and can we make some deals, and can you teach us some of the things that your military does, and can we have some of your AI and cyber expertise?' These relationships extend beyond formal diplomatic channels, with leaders seeking Israel's AI and cyber expertise to address their own security challenges. Netanyahu noted that in many countries, it is 'fashionable' on social media to have 'anti-Israeli, anti-Semitic material', but leaders from these supposed countries call him up to sign deals or ask for military expertise, stating 'So the relations are not quite as they appear, and we have many, many friends.'
Netanyahu revealed that despite public pressure at home, several world leaders have privately reached out to him expressing their respect for Israel and seeking strategic partnerships. According to Clash Report, Netanyahu stated that 'several world leaders privately reached out to him despite public pressure at home,' telling him they respected Israel and were keen to strike deals, learn from its military capabilities, and access its expertise in artificial intelligence and cyber security. This private diplomatic engagement demonstrates that while public sentiment may be influenced by anti-Israel material on social media, international leaders recognize Israel's strategic value and technological capabilities. Netanyahu's comments suggest that these leaders view Israel as a valuable partner despite domestic political pressures, highlighting the 'many others' who support Israel beyond formal diplomatic channels.
