JD Vance Addresses Republican Jewish Coalition Amid Israel-Related Controversy

Vice President JD Vance will speak at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual leadership summit in Las Vegas on Monday. The closed “fireside chat” at the Venetian Resort will include Jewish Republican donors, elected officials and prospective Senate candidates. His appearance comes as the GOP wrestles with internal disputes over Israel policy and accusations of tolerating antisemitic rhetoric.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)Associated PressJD Vance set to address Jewish conservatives, as some Jews in GOP share concerns about his recent Israel remarks

Ahead of the 2024 midterms, concerns about antisemitism have risen across the political spectrum. Within the Republican base, a split has emerged between traditional pro-Israel supporters and younger voters who question unconditional U.S. backing of Israel. Vance drew criticism for remarks on Joe Rogan’s podcast in July suggesting elements of the Israeli government were shaping American public opinion to prolong the war with Iran. He has also faced pressure to distance himself from conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, who previously hosted antisemite Nick Fuentes.

Associated Press

• An AP-NORC poll released in July found roughly 50 % of Democrats believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians, a charge Israel and the U.S. government deny.

Associated Press

• The same poll showed a generational divide among Republicans: younger GOP voters are more likely than older members to say the United States is “too supportive of Israel.”

Associated Press

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News he had spoken with Vance about the influence-campaign comments and believed the two had “straightened that out,” asserting that such tactics are not Israeli policy.

JD Vance set to address Jewish conservatives, as some Jews in GOP share concerns about his recent Israel remarks

• Vance reiterated that Israel remains “a great partner” and that he is prepared for “a frank conversation” when viewpoints differ, mirroring his approach to other U.S. allies.

JD Vance set to address Jewish conservatives, as some Jews in GOP share concerns about his recent Israel remarks

• An unnamed veteran Republican operative said Vance’s support among Jewish conservatives has “collapsed tremendously” after his Israel remarks, characterizing his outreach as an “apology tour.”

JD Vance set to address Jewish conservatives, as some Jews in GOP share concerns about his recent Israel remarks

• Some major GOP donors, including Y. David Scharf and Eric Levine, view Vance’s summit appearance as a positive step toward reconnecting with Jewish conservatives and reaffirming the U.S.–Israel alliance.

JD Vance set to address Jewish conservatives, as some Jews in GOP share concerns about his recent Israel remarks

• The extent to which Vance’s comments have altered his standing within the broader Jewish Republican community remains unclear, as no systematic polling of that constituency has been reported.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

• “There’s a sentiment here of some discomfort over the vice president speaking. Some people are disappointed,” — Terry Platt

Associated Press

• “We need a country where elected officials stand proudly with the Jewish community,” — Rep. Lisa McClain, MI

Associated Press

• “The fact that he's coming to speak to us, I think, is a very good thing. He's reaching out to the Jewish community... and not just the Jewish community, but anyone who supports the American-Israeli relationship and wants to fight antisemitism,” — Eric Levine

JD Vance set to address Jewish conservatives, as some Jews in GOP share concerns about his recent Israel remarks

• “The Republican Jewish Coalition is proud to welcome Vice President JD Vance to our National Leadership Summit in Las Vegas,” — an RJC spokesperson

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)