‘We Have Friends Like India’: Netanyahu Rejects JD Vance’s ‘US Is Israel’s Only Ally’ Remark

July 6, 2026

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against US Vice President JD Vance’s assertion that the United States is Israel’s “only powerful ally”, saying the country enjoys strong support from several nations, including India.

Netanyahu Highlights India’s Strong Support

Responding to Vance’s recent remarks during an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said he respected the US Vice President but did not agree with his assessment of Israel’s global partnerships.

“I respect JD Vance, and we have a very good relationship, but it doesn’t mean that I agree with everything that he says,” Netanyahu said.

While describing US President Donald Trump as the greatest friend Israel has had in the White House, Netanyahu stressed that Israel also enjoys the backing of other countries.

“We have some other friends, like a small country called India. You know it has 1.4 billion people, and boy, do we have tremendous support there,” he said, adding that he frequently receives overwhelming messages of support from India on social media.

‘Israel Has Many Friends’

Netanyahu said Israel’s international relationships extend well beyond what is often reflected in public debate or media coverage.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister, several world leaders privately express support for Israel and seek cooperation in areas such as defence technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“Many leaders call me up and say, ‘We respect you… can we make some deals, and can you teach us some of the things that your military does, and can we have some of your AI and cyber expertise?'” Netanyahu said.

He also highlighted Israel’s global standing in cybersecurity and advanced technology, saying these capabilities have strengthened the country’s diplomatic and strategic partnerships.

Remarks Follow Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Statement

Netanyahu’s comments came after JD Vance recently described the United States as Israel’s “only powerful ally” while urging Israeli leaders to avoid publicly criticising Washington during discussions surrounding US-Iran diplomacy.

The exchange comes at a time when Israel and the United States continue to coordinate closely on regional security issues, while Israel also seeks to deepen strategic partnerships with countries such as India.