Israel free to choose how it retaliates against Iran – J.D. Vance

The US should support its ally even if it carries out a preemptive strike against Tehran, the Ohio senator said

The US should support Israel during its retaliation against Iran, including a potential preemptive strike, Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, J.D. Vance, said during a televised debate on CBS News on Tuesday.

A Republican senator from Ohio, Vance faced his Democratic opponent, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The debate started hours after Iran fired nearly 200 missiles at Israel. Most of the projectiles were intercepted mid-air, according to the IDF. The only reported casualty was a Palestinian man in the West Bank, who was killed by a falling missile fragment. 

Asked by a moderator if he would back an Israeli preemptive strike on Iran, Vance reaffirmed Washington’s long-standing support for the Jewish state. 

“Look, it is up to Israel what they think they need to do to keep their country safe, and we should support our allies wherever they are when they’re fighting the bad guys. That’s the right approach to the Israel question,” Vance replied.

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