US Vice President JD Vance has revealed that elements within the Israeli government were trying to derail negotiations with Iran and manipulate American public opinion to keep the war going, lashing out at those behind the campaign and telling them to "go to hell".
Speaking during a three-hour interview on The Joe Rogan Experience , Vance said some figures in Israel were seeking to prolong the conflict with Iran indefinitely rather than achieve a defined strategic objective.
"There are some people within their system, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt, who are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely," Vance said. "Not toward any objective, but just indefinitely."
Vance said individuals linked to figures within the Israeli government had orchestrated a campaign against him because he was trying to secure an agreement with Iran that met the objectives set by US President Donald Trump .
He said the campaign involved leaks to journalists and attacks on social media aimed at undermining his efforts.
Referring to those behind the campaign, Vance said: "Go to hell", adding that he would continue doing what he believed was right for the American people.
Vance also referred to recent reporting that people who had received money from a former Trump campaign official, who in turn was funded by figures within the Israeli government, had attacked him over his position on Iran.
He said he did not object to criticism of a potential agreement from within the US government, nor to foreign governments attempting to influence Washington.
"Israel does it, and other countries do too," he said. "What really bothers me is when Americans allow that influence to affect their decisions."
The comments mark Vance's strongest criticism yet of Israeli officials over the war on Iran.
Last month, he publicly rebuked members of the Israeli government for criticising Washington's diplomacy with Tehran, saying that if he were an Israeli minister, he would not attack "the only strong ally left in the world."
Israel-Epstein connection
Vance also acknowledged that the White House mishandled its public communication over the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while denying there had been any attempt to conceal information.
He further said he believed Epstein had connections to intelligence agencies, telling Rogan it was "clear" he had links to senior figures in both US and Israeli intelligence.
“He clearly had connections to the upper, the highest levels of American intelligence. He clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence,” he said.
“Epstein seemed to be connected to the elements of the Israeli deep state that were left of centre. I’ve always found that fascinating. It wasn’t like he was super connected to the right of centre of Israeli politics,” he added.