Vice President JD Vance spent Monday evening at the Venetian in Las Vegas speaking to members of the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC). The private “fireside chat” was intended to give the group an open forum to discuss concerns about the party’s stance toward Israel and the broader U.S.–Israel relationship.
Addressing growing skepticism
Vance opened by acknowledging a shift among younger Americans who are questioning the United States’ alliance with Israel. He urged fellow Republicans to “actually get out there and talk about the ways in which it is in the best interest of the United States of America,” emphasizing that the partnership serves American security and economic interests.
Media personalities and the Israel debate
When moderator Norm Coleman asked Vance how he decides which media platforms to appear on, Vance referenced several high‑profile hosts, including Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Joe Rogan and Nick Fuentes. Vance noted that while he respects the right of individuals to voice differing opinions, he “recognizes a lot of people in this room might disagree with things that Tucker Carlson or Megyn Kelly or Joe Rogan has said.” He drew a clear line with Nick Fuentes, describing him as a white nationalist and Holocaust denier and stating that he has disavowed Fuentes by name.
Vance defended his willingness to engage with controversial figures, arguing that Republicans must be willing to “go everywhere and bring our message anywhere and to any person” in order to maintain influence.
Reactions from RJC members
RJC CEO Matt Brooks said the event was kept private to allow for an honest conversation. While former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer praised Vance for answering questions about his “heart,” some attendees felt the vice president fell short. Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Gen Z Jewish activist, said Vance “totally deflected” on the Carlson issue, and another participant noted that Vance missed an opportunity to directly disavow the former Fox News host.
Other RJC members expressed confidence in Vance’s leadership. Stuart Weil from California said he had “no fear of supporting JD Vance as the president of the United States,” and former Israeli ambassador Ron Dermer recalled a 2022 meeting in Jerusalem where Vance asked detailed questions about how U.S. interests are served by close ties with Israel.
Context of the Israel‑Iran conflict
The discussion came amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. After Israel’s war in Gaza and a subsequent conflict with Iran, public support for Israel has waned across party lines. Vance has been a vocal proponent of a June‑2026 Iran peace deal, though the agreement later collapsed. He warned Israeli officials against “attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” underscoring his belief that a strong U.S.–Israel partnership remains vital.
Overall, the RJC gathering highlighted the delicate balance GOP leaders must strike: maintaining a steadfast alliance with Israel while addressing the concerns of Jewish Republican donors and activists who are increasingly wary of the party’s foreign‑policy direction.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
