Vice President J.D. Vance described the conflict in Gaza as “heartbreaking” and made an emotional appeal for the violence to end and for additional humanitarian support to reach Palestinian civilians.
Speaking on comedian Theo Von’s podcast, Vance reflected on the suffering caused by the war. “I am a human being, so when I look at these images, when I watch the videos, my heart breaks. There are innocent people—innocent Palestinians and innocent Israeli hostages—caught in terrible violence. We’re doing everything we can to get them support and assistance, as much as humanly possible.”
Vance reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself following a brutal assault. He reminded listeners of how the war started. “Israel had been ‘attacked by a horrific terrorist organization,’” he noted, emphasizing that many forget it began with “a terrible terrorist attack that killed many innocent Israeli civilians.” He called for efforts toward a ceasefire that would both safeguard Israelis from future Hamas attacks and ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians. “In many ways, they’re stuck in the middle of this too,” he said.
He expressed concern over the harsh tone of public discourse surrounding the conflict. “I don’t like it. Many on the left ignore the massacre of Israeli civilians. But too many on the right dismiss the suffering of Palestinian children by saying they deserved it. That is wrong. If you have a soul, your heart should break for a suffering child.”
Vance spoke of President Donald Trump’s involvement, referring to him as “the president of peace,” and said Trump is actively working to help end the conflict. “The longer it goes on, the more suffering and death take place. We’re not sitting back—we’re talking to everyone: Israel, Arab leaders, people from the Palestinian territories. It’s all diplomacy, all the time.”
He also took aim at Republicans who downplay the harm inflicted on Palestinian civilians. “I have seen people on my side respond to footage of wounded children by saying it serves them right. That cannot be the response of a people who claim to stand for life and liberty.”
Vance defended Trump’s strategy, noting that while his administration firmly supports Israel, it recognizes that dialogue is essential. “To end any conflict, you have to talk to everyone. So they attacked him and they attacked me, for being ‘too pro-diplomacy.’ But if our taxpayers’ money is involved, we have to demand a real effort to solve this.”
He dismissed accusations of genocide against Israel, saying such claims misrepresent the reality on the ground. “I do not believe Israel is trying to murder every Palestinian. They are targeting a terrorist group that launched a brutal attack. War is a terrible thing, but this is not genocide.”
Vance also defended U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has come under fire from some critics. He pushed back strongly on those questioning Witkoff’s dedication. “Steve is a deeply pro-Israel Jew who works every day to bring this war to an end. He is also a father who lost a child and a man who believes every life has value. To call him not pro-Israel enough is absurd and cruel.”
He reiterated his support for Witkoff’s character and mission. “I see him work every day. He’s a Jew who believes in Israel’s right to exist, but he’s also a man with a heart trying to stop the killing. When I say this debate is stripping away our humanity, I think about the constant attacks on Steve. This is a man who’s also a father—he lost a son to an overdose—and he’s someone who loves people, who believes in the value of human life and he’s doing a very good job.”
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{Matzav.com}