WASHINGTON D.C(VINnews)-Vice President JD Vance on Thursday pushed back against a report of a tense exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing their recent meeting in Washington as a “good, honest, open conversation” and reaffirming Israel’s status as a close U.S. ally.

Responding to a report by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, Vance said Netanyahu “did not confront me.” He characterized the discussion as “pleasant but direct.”

“As I have said time and again, Israel is an excellent partner. It is an ally of the United States,” Vance said. “Like France, Britain, or any other ally of the United States, we also have differences of opinion at times.”

Vance said the American media has been “fascinated by this dynamic,” but emphasized that his role is to advance U.S. interests alone.

“When our interests and Israel’s interests coincide, we discuss how to achieve our common goals. And when my position differs from that of the Israeli Prime Minister, we have a direct and honest conversation about it,” he said. “I did not feel that I was confronted.”

The comments marked a more measured tone from the vice president toward Israel following the reported meeWASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance on Thursday pushed back against a report of a tense exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing their recent meeting in Washington as a “good, honest, open conversation” and reaffirming Israel’s status as a close U.S. ally.

Responding to a report by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, Vance said Netanyahu “did not confront me.” He characterized the discussion as “pleasant but direct.”

“As I have said time and again, Israel is an excellent partner. It is an ally of the United States,” Vance said. “Like France, Britain, or any other ally of the United States, we also have differences of opinion at times.”

Vance said the American media has been “fascinated by this dynamic,” but emphasized that his role is to advance U.S. interests alone.

“When our interests and Israel’s interests coincide, we discuss how to achieve our common goals. And when my position differs from that of the Israeli Prime Minister, we have a direct and honest conversation about it,” he said. “I did not feel that I was confronted.”

The comments marked a more measured tone from the vice president toward Israel following the reported meeting.ting.