Netanyahu Cites Indian Support After US Vice President's Remarks on Israeli Alliances

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday highlighted India as a significant supporter of Israel, responding to recent comments by US Vice President JD Vance that Israel has no powerful ally other than the United States.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel has 'tremendous support' in India. 'We have some other friends, like a small country called India. It has 1.4 billion people, and boy, do we have tremendous support there,' he stated.

Netanyahu expressed respect for Vance but disagreed with his characterization. He called President Donald Trump the 'greatest friend' Israel has had in the White House, but added, 'It doesn't mean I agree with everything he says.'

Vance had earlier warned Israel not to alienate its 'only powerful ally' during a White House press briefing, as ceasefire talks with Iran progress. The US and Iran signed a memorandum last month aimed at ending hostilities.

Netanyahu also claimed that his government receives 'overwhelming support' from India on social media platforms like Facebook, and argued that Israel has many other allies. He noted that some leaders publicly criticize Israel but privately seek cooperation, including military advice.

Regarding Lebanon, Netanyahu clarified Israel's position, stating that some Christian villages in southern Lebanon have requested annexation by Israel for protection against Hezbollah militants. 'Christian villages in Lebanon, some of them have actually asked to be annexed to Israel, because we protect them against the Hezbollah fanatics who want to kill them,' he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing conflicts involving Israel in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon, and as international criticism of Israel's military actions continues.