U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks during an event at Gold Coast Studios on June 17, 2026 in Bethpage, New York, U.S. Vance's visit comes after the Justice Department filed a lawsuit this week against New York state officials over alleged Medicaid fraud related to the state’s $10 billion home-care program. Spencer Platt/Pool via REUTERS
The Bulwark's editor Jonathan V. Last argues President Donald Trump's deteriorating relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could inadvertently boost Vice President JD Vance's 2028 presidential ambitions.
A potential U.S. and Israel split could reshape the MAGA coalition, positioning Vance to appeal to both pro-war Republicans frustrated with surrender and America First isolationists skeptical of the Israeli relationship, argues Last. He also writes, Israel will become one of the big cleavages in the post-Trump GOP, with younger base members opposing continued American support while establishment MAGA remains pro-Israel.
Netanyahu faces a choice: embrace Trump's war-ending deal or break with the president.
Trump's criticism of Netanyahu, calling him crazy, in addition to his declining popularity in Israel, suggests a potential rupture, the author explains.
Last contends Vance could leverage any Trump-Israel schism by claiming ownership of the war's conclusion, positioning himself favorably with the Republican base despite his current difficult position.
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