Fox News host Brian Kilmeade sharply criticized Vice President JD Vance on Friday, arguing that the vice president should reconsider his recent remarks aimed at Israel amid growing debate over the Trump administration’s memorandum of understanding with Iran.
The dispute stems from comments Vance made during Thursday’s White House press briefing when he was asked about reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “fuming” over the administration’s newly announced 14-point agreement with Iran.
Responding to the question, Vance suggested that Israeli leaders should be cautious about publicly criticizing the United States.
“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,” Vance said.
The vice president went on to argue that Israel’s challenges extend beyond disagreements with Washington.
“The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump,” Vance said. “Anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in.”
The comments quickly drew attention from critics of the Iran agreement, including Kilmeade, who said earlier Friday that he was “shocked” by the vice president’s remarks. During Friday’s edition of The Five, the Fox News host expanded on those concerns and questioned the administration’s criticism of Israel.
Kilmeade pointed to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) as one of the most prominent voices expressing opposition to the agreement.
“Ted Cruz was extremely critical,” Kilmeade said, adding that there was “reason to be.”
Cruz, speaking on his podcast Friday, specifically targeted the provision of the plan that would provide Iran with assistance from regional partners and a $300 billion redevelopment effort. The Texas senator argued that the arrangement would be dangerous, saying that “giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is a very, very bad idea.”
Kilmeade echoed broader concerns about the administration’s criticism of Israel and defended the Jewish state’s military actions. According to the Fox News host, Israel’s use of force is rooted in self-defense rather than aggression.
“I think JD Vance has to rethink his attack on Israel,” Kilmeade said.
He argued that recent Israeli military actions came after attacks on Israeli forces, noting that four Israel Defense Forces soldiers had been killed. Kilmeade also maintained that Hezbollah’s actions against Israel occur at Iran’s direction and rejected suggestions that Israel was undermining diplomatic efforts.
“Israel isn’t blowing up any deal,” he said. “They’re defending themselves.”
Kilmeade further argued that Israel’s security depends on maintaining the ability to respond to threats. While praising President Donald Trump as a strong ally of Israel, he disagreed with the suggestion that Israel’s survival hinges entirely on Washington’s support.
“The president is the best friend Israel has ever had — that is 100% true,” Kilmeade said.
At the same time, he expressed confidence that Israel would continue to defend itself against potential threats, arguing that the country possesses the capability to counter or preempt attacks if necessary.
The exchange highlights ongoing divisions among conservatives over the Iran agreement, with supporters emphasizing diplomacy while critics warn that major concessions could carry significant risks. As debate continues, questions remain about whether the deal will reduce tensions or merely postpone future conflicts in an already volatile region.
