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Vice President JD Vance alleged that individuals connected to elements within the Israeli government financed an organized campaign aimed at discrediting him over the Trump administration’s efforts to negotiate with Iran. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Vance claimed the operation was designed to undermine both the negotiations and the eventual ceasefire initiative.

During the interview, Vance described what he called a coordinated effort operating behind the scenes.

He said there was a “very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign” that had attempted to derail negotiations and a ceasefire agreement.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2077450739207610427

To support his claims, Vance pointed to a recent TIME magazine investigation examining a digital media campaign overseen by Brad Parscale, President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager. According to the report, Parscale’s firm, Clock Tower X, was retained by the global advertising agency Havas to conduct a messaging campaign on behalf of the State of Israel.

TIME reported that filings submitted under the Foreign Agents Registration Act showed Israel agreed to pay Clock Tower X $1.5 million each month. The campaign focused on producing online content geared primarily toward younger audiences while amplifying its message across social media and other digital platforms.

According to the magazine, three individuals familiar with the project described a network in which conservative social media influencers received suggested messaging through private group chats and were compensated based on the reach and engagement generated by their posts.

Parscale denied that any money from the Israeli contract was used to pay influencers and rejected accusations that he had attempted to interfere with or undermine President Donald Trump’s policies.

Vance, however, interpreted the report differently.

“It lists a bunch of people who have quite literally been paid by a former Trump campaign person who was himself paid by certain elements within the Israeli government,” Vance told Rogan. He alleged that those individuals were “attacking me viciously for quite literally trying to accomplish the negotiation objective that the president set for the country.”

When Rogan asked how those attacks had manifested themselves, Vance said they came through online criticism as well as information being leaked to members of the media.

“They’re attacking me obsessively, saying that we should not be negotiating with Iran. We should just keep the military campaign going indefinitely,” he said.

Vance also said some critics accused him of being influenced by Qatar and other foreign governments, while others alleged that he was taking “marching orders from Tucker Carlson.”

The vice president emphasized that he has no objection to Israeli officials expressing their views or attempting to persuade American policymakers. However, he said he opposes situations in which U.S. leaders allow outside influence to shape American policy decisions.

“When I open up the pages of Time Magazine and I see that there’s a literal foreign influence campaign being funded to tank the very deal that I was pursuing, and, oh, by the way, many of the people who were receiving that money were actually attacking me in completely dishonest ways, you know, my response to that is, well, go to hell,” Vance said.

“I’m going to do what I have to do for the American people. I represent Americans first.”

TIME also reported that some U.S. officials believed Israel’s effort to preserve support among younger conservatives conflicted with the Trump administration’s push to end the conflict with Iran. The publication quoted a senior U.S. intelligence official who claimed that American influencers were being paid by a foreign government in an effort to influence either the president or those closest to him.

Vice President JD Vance tells Joe Rogan that Jeffrey Epstein had clear connections to US and Israeli intelligence services.

"He clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence, he clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence.” pic.twitter.com/Ze7HVfh0zC

— Jon Michael Raasch (@JMRaasch) July 15, 2026

Parscale denied coordinating any such operation and maintained that his firm’s work for Israel did not direct or influence independent commentators or hosts affiliated with Salem Media.

Elsewhere in the interview, Vance also discussed convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, asserting that Epstein maintained ties to both American and Israeli intelligence services.

“He clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence. He clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence,” Vance stated.

Vance said the Epstein case illustrated the importance of distinguishing between different factions within Israel’s government, adding that not all Israeli officials opposed the administration’s diplomatic efforts.

“There are a lot of elements within the Israeli government that actually do like our peace process,” he said.

He further alleged that Epstein’s relationships were primarily with left-leaning figures within Israel’s political establishment.

“I’ve always found that fascinating,” Vance said. “It wasn’t like he was super connected to the right of center of Israeli politics.”

{Matzav.com}

In a significant shakeup within Israel’s ruling Likud Party, Knesset Member Dan Illouz announced Wednesday that he is leaving the party after serving a single term in the Knesset, citing deep disagreements over its direction and its handling of the military draft exemption issue.

“I cannot ask the public to vote for a party that I myself can no longer vote for,” Illouz said in a statement released Wednesday evening.

Reflecting on the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, Illouz argued that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu should have made way for new leadership at the conclusion of his current term.

“The truth is that immediately after October 7, it was clear to everyone that Netanyahu should end his tenure after this term. Instead of standing before the public and asking for forgiveness, Likud is doing everything it can to evade responsibility. We are removing the word ‘massacre’ from legislation and preventing the establishment of a commission of inquiry. A Jewish identity means, first and foremost, taking responsibility.”

Illouz said the recent legislation concerning military service exemptions for yeshivah students was the decisive factor behind his decision to leave the party.

“The saga of the draft exemption is a disgrace that made it clear to me that my place is no longer in Likud.”

He sharply criticized the party’s approach, accusing it of capitulating to its Chareidi coalition partners.

“At a time when the IDF is warning that it is collapsing under the burden, and my fellow reservists are sacrificing their families and their experience of fatherhood, Likud chose ongoing surrender to the Chareidi parties and advanced political maneuvers to institutionalize draft evasion. Today, there is no difference between voting for Likud, Shas, or Goldknopf.”

Illouz concluded by pledging to continue serving the country despite his departure from the party.

“I will continue to work for the State of Israel from wherever I am, with integrity and determination.”

In recent months, Illouz had emerged as one of the most outspoken critics within Likud, particularly regarding efforts to formalize the status of yeshivah students. Over the past two days, he voted against both the Basic Law: Torah Study and the law freezing the arrest of draft evaders.

Commenting on those measures, Illouz argued that they represented “a severe blow, not to mention a spit in the face of the public we were elected to represent.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that Iran is on the brink of defeat, signaling that the United States is prepared to intensify its military campaign unless Tehran agrees to negotiate. His remarks came as U.S. Central Command announced a second wave of strikes targeting Iranian military assets tied to threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump expressed confidence that the United States has gained the upper hand in its confrontation with the Islamic Republic.

“We’re doing really well with Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran is not happy right now.”

Trump argued that decisive action against Iran should have been taken decades ago rather than allowing the regime to grow stronger over the years.

“Should have been done 47 years ago. Should have been done at least during the 47-year period. And it wasn’t. Other presidents didn’t do what was right. They should have done it a long time ago. Would have been much easier.”

Trump:

Iran will be defeated very soon. pic.twitter.com/DW1RxEjynl

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 15, 2026

He also suggested that mounting U.S. pressure has left Tehran eager to negotiate, while making clear that military action remains on the table if diplomacy fails.

“They want to settle so badly. They don’t like what we’re doing. And they do want to settle. We’ll find out whether or not we settle with them or we just finish it off,” said Trump.

The president also took aim at President Barack Obama over the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, arguing that the deal strengthened the regime and contributed to the current crisis.

“He was very bad on Iran because he basically gave them the money. He made a – what a horrible deal. He went away from Israel and he went to Iran. And that’s part of the reason that we’re stuck with this whole situation,” Trump stated.

Trump’s latest comments followed an interview with Fox News a day earlier in which he warned that U.S. attacks would become increasingly severe if Iran refused to engage in meaningful negotiations.

“We’re going to hit them very hard tonight, we’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night, we’re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants, next week comes the bridges.”

He said the campaign would soon expand to include critical infrastructure unless Iranian leaders changed course.

“We’re going to knock out all their power plants, we’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate,” he added.

Trump emphasized that the military operation would continue for as long as he deemed necessary, saying Iran’s capabilities had already been significantly weakened. “Continue until I say it’s enough…the word the military likes to use is degrade. They’ve been degraded to a very low level.”

As Trump spoke, U.S. Central Command confirmed Wednesday evening that American forces had begun a second wave of operations against Iran. According to CENTCOM, the latest strikes are focused on Iranian military capabilities that have been used to threaten international shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways for global trade.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Israel’s Knesset interrupted its proceedings on Wednesday to pay an extraordinary tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, honoring the longtime South Carolina lawmaker with a moment of silence in recognition of his decades of steadfast support for the Jewish state. The ceremony reflected the deep admiration Graham earned across Israel’s political spectrum and underscored the unique bond he forged with Israeli leaders over more than 30 years in public service.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana opened the tribute by asking lawmakers to rise in memory of Graham, praising him as one of Israel’s most devoted allies in the United States.

“In honor of one of the greatest friends the state of Israel has ever had, members of the Knesset from both sides of the aisle will now rise for a moment of silence to pay our respects to the legendary Sen. Lindsey Graham.

“May his memory be a blessing,” he said.

Following Ohana’s remarks, members of the Knesset stood together in silence to honor the late senator.

The rare parliamentary recognition highlighted the immense respect Graham commanded in Israel, where he was widely regarded as one of the most vocal and dependable champions of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

During his years in the Senate, Graham consistently advocated for robust American military assistance to Israel, promoted closer defense cooperation between the two allies, and was among Washington’s leading voices calling for a hard line against Iran and other threats facing the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who shared a longstanding personal friendship with Graham, released a heartfelt statement after learning of his death.

“Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Netanyahu said.

“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”

Netanyahu added, “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

President Isaac Herzog also expressed his sorrow, remembering Graham as a genuine friend of Israel whose commitment to the country never wavered. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar likewise praised the senator’s unwavering dedication to Israel’s security and to strengthening the alliance between Jerusalem and Washington.

Graham died unexpectedly on Saturday following a brief illness caused by an aortic dissection, according to the District of Columbia’s chief medical examiner.

His passing at the age of 71 stunned political leaders in the United States and abroad, particularly because he had remained actively engaged in foreign policy discussions and had recently returned from overseas travel.

It is uncommon for Israel’s parliament to formally commemorate an American lawmaker in this manner, making Wednesday’s tribute especially significant.

The ceremony served as a reflection of Graham’s exceptional standing among Israel’s leadership, who viewed him not only as a steadfast advocate in Washington but also as a trusted personal friend whose support remained constant through changing administrations and multiple wars.

The tribute came as Israel prepares to send a high-level delegation—including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—to Graham’s funeral in the United States, another indication of the remarkable relationship the senator cultivated with the Jewish state throughout his long career in public service.

{Matzav.com}

A major coalition crisis erupted in the Knesset on Wednesday, throwing into doubt the fate of legislation aimed at significantly reducing the powers of Israel’s attorney general after Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni threatened to withhold support for the bill amid an escalating dispute with Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich.

The legislation, championed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Constitution Committee chairman MK Simcha Rothman, had reached the Knesset floor for its second and third readings after approximately 70 committee sessions. But moments before the decisive vote, the coalition was thrown into turmoil when the Chareidi parties signaled they might oppose the measure, triggering a direct confrontation between Gafni and Smotrich.

As negotiations intensified behind the scenes, Rothman prolonged his speech from the Knesset podium in an effort to delay the vote and buy time for coalition leaders to resolve the standoff.

At the heart of the dispute is mounting frustration within United Torah Judaism over what party leaders say is the government’s continued refusal to approve long-promised seniority-based salary increases for Chareidi preschool teachers.

According to UTJ officials, Smotrich has deliberately withheld the funding in an effort to pressure the Chareidi parties into allowing Religious Zionism representatives to join the municipal coalition in Beit Shemesh. In response, Gafni and his colleagues warned they would vote against one of the coalition’s flagship judicial reform bills—a move that could doom the legislation.

Religious Zionism responded with an unusually sharp public attack, accusing Gafni of effectively rescuing Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and preserving what it described as judicial overreach.

Sources close to Smotrich said Baharav-Miara “can send Gafni flowers,” arguing that his actions are granting her immunity, preserving her “judicial dictatorship,” and enabling her to continue undermining both the right-wing coalition and the Chareidi public for years to come.

The party also issued a direct warning to Gafni and his allies, declaring that if they are responsible for defeating legislation intended to curb the attorney general’s authority, “they will not be able to show their faces on the Chareidi street.” The statement concluded with the blunt message: “Let them not threaten.”

The confrontation comes despite earlier coalition understandings under which the Chareidi parties had agreed to fully support the attorney general legislation as part of a broader political agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Under that arrangement, the coalition advanced several key priorities sought by the Chareidi parties, including the Basic Law: Torah Study, the law temporarily freezing the arrest of yeshiva bochurim who fail to report for military service—which has since been suspended by the High Court—and legislation repealing the kashrus reform.

Now, with tensions between coalition partners at their highest point in months, questions are mounting over whether that broader political agreement can survive.

The legislation at the center of the dispute would significantly reshape the relationship between Israel’s elected government and its legal advisers.

Its principal provision would eliminate the binding authority of the attorney general’s legal opinions, making them advisory rather than mandatory. Under the proposal, the attorney general would continue providing legal guidance, presenting policy alternatives, and helping ensure compliance with the law, but final decision-making authority would rest with the government and its ministers.

The bill also provides that while the attorney general’s written legal opinions would continue to reflect his or her interpretation of existing law, they would no longer be legally binding on the government. Ministers would have the authority to determine that an opinion does not accurately reflect the law, subject to notification of the Knesset Constitution Committee.

In addition, the proposal would give the government the final authority over its legal positions before the High Court and other courts. If the attorney general declines to represent the government’s position, the government would be permitted to retain private legal counsel to argue its case.

For now, however, the future of the judicial reform package remains uncertain, as coalition leaders struggle to bridge the widening divide between Smotrich and Gafni before the legislation comes to a vote.

{Matzav.com}

A House amendment to end aid to Israel sharply divided the Democratic caucus on Wednesday with less than half of Democrats voting to continue annual military funding to the Jewish State.

Only 93 of the 212 Democratic lawmakers in the House voted to oppose the amendment from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) to end $3.3 billion in assistance to Israel.

The amendment failed 104-314, with 103 Democrats voting to end aid to Israel and 10 voting “present.” Massie was the lone Republican to vote in favor of the measure, with 215 Republicans opposed.

Debate on the amendment before the vote largely pitted Democrats against one another, with pro-Israel Democrats accusing their colleagues, who intended to vote in favor of the amendment, of endangering U.S. national security and the lives of Israeli civilians.

“This amendment would embolden the enemies of peace, those pursuing the complete elimination of Israel and those who seek the death of Jews,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). “It is a vote to weaken our ability to engage in the region and it’s a vote against American security, against American interests and against American safety.”

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” and said that Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu had taken Israel “down an ugly path.”

“Israel does not need and quite honestly does not deserve more American money for weapons,” Castro said. “Do not reward a wrongdoer.”

Support for Israel has rapidly become one of the biggest fault lines in Democratic politics, as pro-Israel incumbents have lost a string of primary elections to anti-Israel challengers.

Democrats who voted in favor of the amendment to cut off Israel aid included 15 congressmen who are endorsed by AIPAC as “pro-Israel” candidates or thanked by the pro-Israel group on their endorsement page, including former House speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

One of those endorsees, Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), said after the vote that he was rejecting AIPAC’s endorsement and returning its donations to his campaign.

“I expect groups like AIPAC will not support me in my future elections and frankly, I don’t want their support,” Ryan wrote. “Hardline stances that refuse to stand up to a corrupt and increasingly dangerous Netanyahu regime have no place in our politics.”

Two other AIPAC endorsees, Reps. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) and Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.) voted “present” on the amendment.

Other pro-Israel groups that had endorsees who voted to cut off Israel aid included Democratic Majority for Israel and the Jewish Democratic Council of America. (JNS sought comment from AIPAC, DMFI and JDCA.)

Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, stated that the group “applauds House Republicans for unanimously defeating Thomas Massie’s reckless effort to strip all American aid to Israel from the State Department funding bill.”

Under the “strong leadership” of U.S. President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), “America has Israel’s back,” Brooks stated. “Today, the GOP-led House of Representatives proved it.”

Brooks said that Massie is “a voice of one in the Republican Party” and a “lame duck outlier.”

“The Republican majority left no doubt about where our party stands: resolutely with the Jewish state,” he said. “The contrast could not be clearer. In today’s Democratic Party, vociferous hostility to Israel is not the fringe. It is their future.”

“Democrats’ primaries are sending it to Congress, their leaders are indulging it and their base is demanding it,” he added. “Today’s Democratic Party is being shaped in the image of the worst, most radicalized elements of its anti-Israel base, and the Squad’s Hamas caucus is leading the way. Today’s vote reaffirms the longstanding commitment of Republicans to stand unwaveringly with Israel through thick and thin.”

The vote divided Democratic leadership even after Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) sent a letter to colleagues on Tuesday explaining his reasons for voting “no” on the measure. Jeffries said in the letter that he would not whip the vote given the “strongly held views” among Democrats on Israel.

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), both of whom are endorsed by AIPAC, voted in favor of the amendment, while Jeffries and the two other members of the Democratic leadership team, Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), voted to oppose it.

Massie argued in the debate that he was opposed to all foreign aid, not just aid to Israel, but his subsequent amendment to cut off aid to Jordan revealed the extent to which the Jewish state has become a particular focus of ire among House Democrats.

That amendment failed 421-6, with not a single Democrat voting to cut off military aid to the Arab kingdom. JNS

{Matzav.com}