Vance Addresses Concerns of Jewish Republicans in Las Vegas Speech

<p>Vice President Vance on Monday addressed Jewish Republicans who have expressed concerns regarding his views on Israel during a closed-door event with the Republican Jewish Coalition at the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas.</p><ul><li>Vance stated that Israel is "extremely important to America's national security" and condemned rising antisemitism.</li></ul><p>Vance's appearance is seen as an effort to mend relations with a critical constituency within the GOP as he prepares for a potential presidential bid in 2028.</p><hr /><ul><li>In a 30-minute Q&A session with former Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman, Vance referenced discussions about antisemitism with the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who he claimed shared his view that "Jew hatred is corrosive to the soul." </li><li>Vance attributed part of the recent increase in antisemitism to immigration, stating that "a lot" of it was "coming from these Third World immigrants importing these ancient ethnic hatreds."</li><li>He remarked, "If you want to bring ethnic hatreds with you, don't bother coming to the United States."</li></ul><p>Vance also noted that there is "a much deeper cultural symbiosis and harmony" in the U.S. relationship with countries like the United Kingdom and Israel compared to other allies.</p><p>Tensions between Vance and pro-Israel conservatives have been escalating for several months.</p><ul><li>Prior to the Iran war, Vance reportedly expressed skepticism about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's optimistic assessments regarding U.S. military actions. He confronted Netanyahu about these views after the war commenced.</li><li>After facilitating a U.S.-Iran deal that subsequently failed, Vance advised Israelis to temper their opposition, reminding them of their dependency on U.S. support.</li><li>In a mid-July interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Vance asserted that he was certain individuals within the Israeli government were attempting to influence U.S.-Iran diplomacy to maintain military operations.</li></ul><p>Vance's comments during the Rogan interview received criticism from pro-Israel conservatives, including podcaster Ben Shapiro. Netanyahu later confronted Vance regarding his criticisms of the Israeli government.</p><p>Jewish Republicans have expressed ongoing discomfort with Vance's association with podcaster Tucker Carlson, who has faced allegations of antisemitism.</p><ul><li>During the RJC event, Vance was questioned about how the party should engage with right-of-center podcasters critical of Israel, including Carlson, Rogan, Megyn Kelly, and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes.</li><li>Vance suggested that Republicans should actively engage with these figures and advocate for Israel.</li><li>While he did not address his relationship with Carlson, he defended Rogan and criticized Fuentes, stating that he "has nothing but hate in his heart." </li></ul><p>Earlier on the same day, Vance campaigned in Michigan, accusing progressive Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed of being more sympathetic to the attacker of a synagogue than to its Jewish victims.</p><p>Vance's participation in the RJC underscores a key aspect of his strategy leading up to 2028 — reaching out to audiences that are not automatically supportive of him.</p><ul><li>During his recent book tour, Vance engaged in debates with liberal figures such as Bill Maher and the hosts of "The View."</li></ul>