Vice President JD Vance is under the spotlight as he prepares to address the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual leadership summit in Las Vegas. His speech comes at a critical time, following a series of remarks that have raised eyebrows among pro-Israel Republicans. The event, held on September 1, 2026, marks Vance’s first address to the group as vice president, and it’s seen as a pivotal moment in his political career.
The summit, which kicked off with speeches from prominent pro-Israel House members and Senate candidates, is expected to continue with video remarks from President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, all eyes are on Vance’s closed-door appearance at a Monday night VIP gala. His remarks could either soothe fears among pro-Israel Republicans or further fuel their anxieties.
Vance’s Skeptical Remarks on Israel
In recent months, Vance has made sharp and skeptical comments about Israel, contrasting with the traditionally supportive stance of the Republican Party. During a White House press briefing in June, Vance stated that Donald J. Trump is the only head of state sympathetic to Israel. He also expressed frustration with Israeli Cabinet members criticizing a deal to pause the war with Iran, suggesting that Israel should not attack its only powerful ally.
In an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Vance went further, alleging that some in the Israeli government were manipulating American public opinion to prolong the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later addressed these comments, stating that he had spoken with Vance and clarified that such manipulation was not Israel’s policy.
Reactions from Jewish Republicans
Vance’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions among Jewish Republicans. Maura Schrier-Fleming, a member of a Dallas-based group of Jewish Republican women, found some of Vance’s comments to be a mischaracterization of how Israel has had to defend itself. She emphasized that Vance needs to highlight the value of the U.S.-Israel alliance.
A veteran Republican operative noted that Vance’s support among Jewish conservatives collapsed after his White House briefing. The operative viewed Vance’s efforts to reach out to Jewish conservatives as an apology tour and a strategic move ahead of a potential presidential run. Vance has left the door open to a run but has not confirmed his plans.
Despite the concerns, some Jewish conservatives have pushed back on the notion of a divide between Vance and Jewish Republicans. Y. David Scharf, a major Republican donor, recently spoke with Vance about shared themes in Judaism and Catholicism and found Vance to be unequivocal in his support for the U.S.-Israel alliance.
The Significance of Vance’s Address
The RJC summit is a major test for Vance, who is facing skeptics in the crowd. His relationship with antisemitic commentator Tucker Carlson and his involvement in peace talks with Iran have added to the scrutiny. Three Jewish Republican House members acknowledged that it’s a positive sign for both Vance and the RJC that he’s traveling to Las Vegas to make the address.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) expressed hope that Vance’s speech will address his relationships with controversial figures and reaffirm the strong relationship between the United States and Israel. Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX) also expressed optimism, noting that Vance’s intelligence and directness could impress the crowd.
As Vance takes the stage, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he can reassure pro-Israel Republicans and mend the fissures created by his recent remarks. His ability to navigate this delicate political landscape will be crucial for his future in the Republican Party.
