“I spoke yesterday with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. He called me from his plane on the way back from Islamabad. He reported to me in detail, as members of this administration do every day, on the developments in the negotiations.” — Prime Minister Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the Trump administration was providing daily updates to him about the Iran war, a statement that sparked backlash online from those calling for greater transparency with the American people.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said he had spoken with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Sunday, who had provided “in detail” the latest information on peace talks with Iran, “as this administration does every day,” he said.
News of the daily briefings sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with some commentators saying this meant Israel was calling the shots.
“The Trump administration daily reports to Netanyahu on the Iranian war, but not Congress or the American people,” Representative Mark Pocan, a Washington Democrat, posted on X. “Let that sink in.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email Monday afternoon. Netanyahu’s office referred Newsweek to his earlier comments.
Why It Matters
The Trump administration has come under increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and voters over President Donald Trump’s decision to carry out strikes against Iran in late February, sparking a weeks-long conflict alongside Israel. The U.S. has sought to reach a deal with Iran, but a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was tested when Israel, not included in the deal, continued attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon. In recent days, efforts to secure a longer-term deal in the Gulf have not been successful, with Trump now promising to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz.