Netanyahu Pushes Back on JD Vance's ‘Only Ally’ Remark, Highlights Deep Ties with India

During a recent press briefing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned a sharp look toward US Senate candidate JD Vance, who had suggested that Israel’s sole steadfast ally was the United States. Netanyahu, with his trademark composure, waved the remark aside and reminded everyone that Israel enjoys “tremendous support” from a host of countries – India chief among them.

“It’s not about one‑off gestures,” Netanyahu said, gesturing toward the Indian flag that had been unfurled earlier in the day. “India has stood with us for decades, from diplomatic back‑stops to concrete defence cooperation. That’s a relationship built on trust, not on a single tweet.” He paused, letting the weight of the words settle, before adding a light chuckle that hinted at the irony of the claim.

The Israeli leader highlighted several recent milestones: joint naval exercises in the Arabian Sea, burgeoning technology exchanges, and the signing of a multi‑billion‑dollar defence deal that sees Indian shipyards building vessels with Israeli expertise. “These aren’t symbolic,” he stressed. “They’re tangible, day‑to‑day collaborations that protect our peoples.”

Netanyahu also brushed off the notion that India’s support was conditional or fleeting. He referenced India’s consistent voting pattern at the United Nations, where Delhi has often opposed resolutions that single‑out Israel. “India’s stance is principled, not political,” he asserted, adding that the two democracies share “core values of pluralism and rule of law.”

When asked about the broader geopolitical picture, especially the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, Netanyahu warned against oversimplification. “Alliances are fluid, but friendships are deeper. India’s partnership with Israel goes beyond the headlines.” He concluded with a nod to the future, mentioning plans for joint research in renewable energy and cyber‑security – sectors he described as “the next frontier of our cooperation.”

JD Vance, who has been courting the Republican base with strong pro‑Israel rhetoric, has not yet responded to Netanyahu’s remarks. Observers note that the back‑and‑forth may become a litmus test for how US politicians engage with the broader network of Israel’s friends, especially as India’s global clout continues to rise.