US Vice-President JD Vance

‘No one can tell us what to do,’ Israeli defense minister says amid US criticism

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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz in Washington, United States on July 18, 2025. [Yasin Öztürk – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said late Thursday that Israel would respond immediately and with force if Iran attacks, saying that “no one can tell us what to do,” according to Israeli media.

“If Iran attacks us, we will act immediately and respond with force. No one can tell us what to do, and we have proven that,” Katz said in an interview with Channel 14.

“All the capabilities exist and are being built,” Katz added, saying Israel could “respond immediately or act later.”

“We never asked the US to fight with us against Hezbollah in Lebanon, against jihadist elements in Syria or against Hamas in Gaza,” Katz claimed. “We do that alone.”

“We expected, and still expect, that the US will back our right and give us a diplomatic umbrella, not a military one, to act against all these enemies,” he added.

“In Lebanon, in Syria and in Gaza, we will not move from the security zones,” Katz said. “Not in Syria, not in Gaza and not in Lebanon, we will not leave there under any circumstances.”

The statement came days after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon. Israeli officials criticized the decision and vowed not to follow the provisions of the agreement, drawing a strong response from US Vice President JD Vance.

READ: Report: Israeli political circles shocked by Vance criticism of Netanyahu ministers

Speaking at the White House earlier Thursday, Vance sharply criticized members of the Israeli government who attacked the understanding reached between Washington and Tehran, saying: “If I were 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 some members of the Israeli government “very personally attacked the President of the United States.”

The Pakistani mediator officially announced that the memorandum had entered into force, with Iran set to begin reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic in exchange for the US starting to lift its naval blockade on Tehran.

Despite a US-Iran agreement reported to include provisions aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon, Israeli strikes continued after midnight.

According to the latest official figures, Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon since March 2 has killed 3,912 people, injured 11,873 others and displaced more than one million residents.

Israel also maintains a presence in Syria. Despite the new Syrian administration not issuing threats toward Israel, Israeli forces have carried out airstrikes in Syria since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, killing civilians and targeting military sites, equipment and ammunition.

In addition, Israel occupies Palestinian and Lebanese lands and refuses to withdraw or allow the establishment of a Palestinian state, as stipulated in relevant UN resolutions.

READ: Trump says there are ‘no limits’ to his power after Iran war

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir "I support Zionism without Qualification" Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his - Labour and Israel's - Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they've got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Keir “I support Zionism without Qualification” Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his – Labour and Israel’s – Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they’ve got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue Reading‘No one can tell us what to do,’ Israeli defense minister says amid US criticism

Israel cannot stop home demolitions in southern Lebanon: Ben-Gvir

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Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on January 24, 2023 [Saeed Qaq/Anadolu Agency]

Israel cannot stop home demolitions in southern Lebanon, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Wednesday, following statements by US Vice President JD Vance that a draft agreement with Iran includes Lebanon, Anadolu reports.

“Israel cannot stop the demolition of houses in southern Lebanon. We simply cannot stop, that’s all,” Ben-Gvir said in comments carried by the Knesset’s channel.

“We cannot allow the residents of southern Lebanon to return. We must continue to control the territory even if we disagree with (US President Donald) Trump, we are an independent state,” he added.

In statements early Wednesday, Vance described the agreement with Iran as “regional peace,” saying it “will include the Gulf states, Israel, and it will include Lebanon.”

“The basic idea is that this is a genuine regional peace agreement,” he added.

Tensions have continued to flare along the Lebanese-Israeli border despite a recent understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending their military conflict that erupted after Israel and the United States launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28.

READ: Ben Gvir attacks Trump-Iran deal: Israel ‘not bound by US agreement’

Iranian officials have repeatedly said that ending Israeli attacks across regional fronts, particularly in Lebanon, is among the main objectives of the memorandum of understanding expected to be signed between Tehran and Washington on Friday.

Israeli officials, however, have indicated that military operations in Lebanon will continue despite the agreement, raising doubts about prospects for a de-escalation on the Lebanese front.

Israel has been waging an offensive on Lebanon since March 2 that has left thousands killed and wounded and more than 1 million displaced, according to the latest official figures.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous war between 2023 and 2024. During the current offensive, Israeli forces pushed more than 10 kilometers into Lebanon.

READ: Trump says Israel’s Netanyahu must be ‘more responsible’ on Lebanon

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Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIsrael cannot stop home demolitions in southern Lebanon: Ben-Gvir

US vice president rules out West Bank annexation by Israel, calls Knesset vote ‘stupid political stunt’

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U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance gives a speech in West Jerusalem, on October 22, 2025. [POOL / Marc Israel Sellem – Anadolu Agency]

US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday ruled out Israel’s annexation of the West Bank, calling a Knesset vote for annexing the occupied territory “a stupid political stunt,” Anadolu reports.

“If it was a political stunt, it was a very stupid political stunt, and I personally take some insult to it. The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel,” Vance told reporters in Tel Aviv.

“The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy,” he added.

Vance said that he was told that the Knesset voting was “a symbolic vote.”

“If people want to take symbolic votes, they can do that. But we certainly weren’t happy about it,” he added.

On Wednesday, the Knesset approved in a preliminary reading two bills to annex the West Bank and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement bloc. Both drafts still must pass three additional readings to become law.

Annexing the West Bank would effectively end the possibility of implementing a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as outlined in UN resolutions.

In a landmark opinion last July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

READ: Israeli Knesset passes preliminary reading of bill to annex occupied West Bank

Gaza reconstruction

Regarding the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, Vance said some parts of the enclave with no Hamas presence can be rebuilt “quickly.”

“We can actually have tens of thousands of Gazans moving into southern Gaza, where you have the Hamas free zone, in the next couple of months,” he said.

“I think the hope is to rebuild Rafah over the next two to three years. And theoretically, you can have half a million people live in a rebuilt Rafah,” the vice president added.

Vance said “a lot of progress” was made regarding the understandings of the composition of an international task force in Gaza.

“No American troops on the ground,” he said, but rather they will be “supervising and mediating the peace.”

The vice president arrived in Israel on Tuesday for a three-day visit to oversee the implementation of the truce that came into force on Oct. 10 in Gaza and discuss the second phase of Trump’s plan with senior Israeli officials.

Phase one included the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Since October 2023, the Israeli genocidal war has killed over 68,200 people and injured more than 170,300, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

READ: Arab states condemn Israeli bills for West Bank annexation as ‘flagrant violation of international law’

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingUS vice president rules out West Bank annexation by Israel, calls Knesset vote ‘stupid political stunt’

Vance ‘not welcome in Scotland,’ campaigners say

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/vance-not-welcome-scotland-campaigners-say

US vice president JD Vance, as Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomes him to Chevening House in Kent, during his visit to Britain, August 8, 2025

ANTI-GENOCIDE campaigners in Scotland are planning a hostile reception for US Vice-President JD Vance, while the Scottish Greens have demanded that not a single penny of public money be spent on a man who has “no place here.”

Mr Vance had a holiday with his family in the Cotswolds before joining Foreign Secretary David Lammy at his official country retreat, Chevening House in Kent, for some fishing.

But Police Scotland are now believed to be on standby ahead of an unconfirmed stay by the vice-president at the private Carnell estate near the Ayrshire town of Hurlford. 

Pro-Palestinian campaign group Mothers Against Genocide were set to offer their own greeting at the estate last night, waving Palestinian flags and rattling pots and pans to show their disgust at a man they say is “hunting and fishing while he is complicit in starving an entire population.”

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman demanded answers on the cost of Mr Vance’s private visit.

As many as 1,000 police officers are thought to have been put on standby to deal with the potential visit, which comes hard on the heels of President Trump’s tour of his Scottish golf courses in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire just a month ago.

Ms Chapman said: “JD Vance is a far-right extremist who has peddled misinformation and lies.

“He has played a central role in the racist Trump government that has torn apart families and communities, attacked women’s rights and armed the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

…

Article continues at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/vance-not-welcome-scotland-campaigners-say

Continue ReadingVance ‘not welcome in Scotland,’ campaigners say