Vance's America First Stance on Israel Reflects Shifting US Public Opinion and Conservative Ideologies

A recent social media post by Corey Walker asserted that "The median American does not care about foreign policy, so Vance has no real incentive to go anti-Israel. The paleocons and isolationists just need to cope." This statement comes amidst evolving discussions surrounding US foreign policy, particularly concerning the long-standing relationship with Israel, and the public posture of prominent figures like Vice President J.D. Vance. Vance has recently articulated a more transactional "America First" approach to the US-Israel alliance, diverging from traditional unconditional support.

Vice President Vance has increasingly emphasized that US and Israeli interests may not always align, particularly regarding regional conflicts. During a recent visit to Israel, Vance criticized an Israeli parliamentary vote on West Bank annexation, calling it a "very stupid" political stunt and stating, "The policy of President Trump is that the West Bank will not be annexed." He has also indicated that the US should be willing to apply leverage to Israel to achieve peace deals, suggesting a departure from previous administrations' approaches.

This shift in rhetoric from a high-ranking US official coincides with a notable change in American public opinion regarding Israel. Recent polls indicate a decrease in unconditional support for Israel, with a Pew Research Center survey from October 2025 showing that 39% of Americans believe Israel is "going too far" in its military operations, an increase from previous years. Support for sending additional economic and military aid to Israel has also declined, with a majority of American voters now opposing such measures, according to a New York Times/Siena University poll from September 2025.

The tweet's reference to "paleocons and isolationists" highlights a segment of the conservative movement historically critical of foreign entanglements and alliances. Paleoconservatism advocates for a non-interventionist foreign policy, often expressing skepticism about the influence of foreign nations, including Israel, on US interests. J.D. Vance's "America First" stance, which prioritizes domestic concerns and a more selective engagement abroad, resonates with some aspects of this traditional isolationist viewpoint, even as his overall position on Israel has been complex, including past expressions of strong support.

The evolving landscape of US foreign policy, influenced by figures like Vance and shifting public sentiment, suggests a re-evaluation of long-held alliances and international commitments. While the core of US-Israel relations remains robust, the debate within conservative circles and among the American populace indicates a growing demand for policies perceived to directly serve American national interests. This ongoing discussion could lead to further adjustments in how the US navigates its role on the global stage.