Former Israeli ambassador to the United States Alon Pinkas described US Vice President JD Vance’s public criticism of Israel as unprecedented in its intensity. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Pinkas said Vance accused Israel of undermining US policy by obstructing Washington’s talks with Iran, marking the first time a sitting American vice president has made such a charge in public.

Pinkas, now a columnist for The New Republic, noted that disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv are not new, but the tone and openness of Vance’s remarks represent a striking departure from past diplomatic norms. He said the criticism reflects a clear divergence between the two allies’ current positions.

According to Pinkas, the growing differences over the Iran conflict are deeply troubling from Israel’s perspective and may indicate a structural shift in the foundation of US-Israel relations.