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JD Vance Reassures Jewish Republicans but Stops Short of Rejecting Tucker Carlson/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Vice President JD Vance received a largely positive response after privately addressing Republican Jewish Coalition members concerned about his views on Israel and antisemitism. Vance reaffirmed his connection with Israel but did not disavow Tucker Carlson, whose interview with antisemite Nick Fuentes caused an uproar among Jewish conservatives. The meeting highlighted Republican divisions over Israel as Vance emerges as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Quick Look

• Vance addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition behind closed doors in Las Vegas.
• Attendees said his remarks reassured some members who had questioned his commitment to Israel.
• Vance discussed his visits to Israel and his connection with the Israeli people.
• He was not directly questioned about saying Israeli officials tried to manipulate U.S. public opinion.
• Vance defended appearing on controversial podcasts as a way to reach broad audiences.
• He did not explicitly reject his association with Tucker Carlson.
• Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said Vance’s continued relationship with Carlson could remain a problem.
• Some attendees had described Vance’s views on Israel as unclear or overly skeptical.
• Vance is considered an early Republican front-runner for the 2028 presidential nomination.
• The gathering also focused on antisemitism within both Democratic and conservative political circles.
• Younger Republicans are more likely than older party members to believe the U.S. is too supportive of Israel.

Deep Look

Vance reassures skeptical Jewish Republicans

Vice President JD Vance received a positive reception Monday after privately addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas, easing some members’ concerns about his commitment to Jewish Americans and the U.S.-Israel alliance.

The highly anticipated appearance occurred behind closed doors at the coalition’s conference at the Venetian Casino and Resort. Organizers said the private format was intended to encourage a candid discussion.

Before the meeting, Fleischer had described Vance as “a giant question mark.”

Vance discusses personal connection with Israel

According to attendees, Vance spoke about his travels in Israel and the connection he felt with the country and its people.

He was not specifically asked about comments he made in July accusing elements of Israel’s government of attempting to manipulate American public opinion to prolong the war with Iran.

Vance did face broader questions about his association with Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host who faced intense criticism for interviewing antisemite Nick Fuentes on his podcast.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said Vance explained that appearing on podcasts allowed him to reach as many people as possible, regardless of whether he agreed with their hosts.

A person close to Vance said before the appearance that the vice president intended to be “extending an olive branch” to people who remained uncertain about him.

Vance does not disavow Tucker Carlson

Although Vance’s reception was favorable, he stopped short of explicitly rejecting Carlson.

Bruce Pearl, the former Auburn University men’s basketball coach who has become a prominent pro-Israel conservative, said afterward that “we saw in his heart.”

Before the speech, Pearl had said Vance would need to repudiate Carlson to earn his support. Following the event, he continued to express concern but indicated he was not ready to reach a final judgment.

Carlson has become a source of tension among conservatives following his interview with Fuentes, whose antisemitic views have been widely condemned.

Some coalition members questioned Vance’s views

Before Vance spoke, some conference attendees expressed frustration about his invitation and uncertainty about his position toward Israel.

Vance has publicly supported Israel but has been viewed as more skeptical of the alliance than President Donald Trump.

His position carries additional political significance because he is widely considered a leading contender for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.

Vance previously criticized Israeli officials

Vance’s relationship with pro-Israel conservatives became more complicated following his public criticism of members of Israel’s government.

In June, he rebuked Israeli officials who opposed Trump’s efforts to end the war with Iran.

A month later, Vance told podcaster Joe Rogan that some Israeli officials had attempted to shape American attitudes to undermine peace negotiations.

Those comments unsettled some pro-Israel Republicans and heightened scrutiny of Vance’s appearance before the coalition.

Israeli adviser praises Vance’s role in Iran conflict

Ron Dermer, a longtime adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, recalled that Vance had asked during their first meeting why the U.S.-Israel alliance served American interests.

Dermer said he welcomed the question rather than viewing it as a sign of hostility.

He also praised Vance’s role during the previous year’s 12-day conflict with Iran.

Israel support becomes a midterm issue

Vance’s speech came at a politically sensitive moment as concerns about antisemitism and U.S. support for Israel intensify ahead of the midterm elections.

Republicans have sought to portray Democrats as hostile toward Israel and Jewish Americans. At the same time, the GOP is confronting divisions within its own coalition, particularly among younger conservatives and influential media figures.

During the conference’s public sessions, speakers repeatedly criticized Democrats, condemned antisemitism and praised the alliance with Israel.

New York radio host Sid Rosenberg directly referenced Vance’s earlier remarks.

Public support for Israel declines

American support for Israel has weakened, with the largest decline occurring among Democrats.

About half of Democrats said they believed Israel had committed genocide against Palestiniansaccording to an AP-NORC poll released in July. Some human rights organizations have made the same accusation, while Israel and the U.S. government strongly deny it.

Republicans remain more supportive of Israel overall, but the party has a significant generational divide. Younger Republicans are more likely than older members to say Washington provides Israel with too much support.

That shift has alarmed some prominent Jewish conservatives who have used Republican Jewish Coalition gatherings to challenge antisemitism and reinforce support for the alliance.

Republican leaders target Democrats

House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of being controlled by the Democratic Socialists of America and said the political left had embraced anti-Jewish bigotry.

Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain called on public officials to stand openly with Jewish Americans.

Conservative antisemitism remains a concern

The coalition has also been forced to confront antisemitism within conservative circles.

Its previous annual summit had been planned as a celebration of the Trump administration’s efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Instead, the gathering became a prolonged denunciation of antisemitism on the right after Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts refused to distance the organization from Carlson following his interview with Fuentes.

Vance’s appearance this year reflected the continuing tension between Republican efforts to maintain strong pro-Israel support and the growing influence of conservative figures who challenge traditional U.S. policy toward Israel.

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