Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stumbled out of the gate at the vice presidential debate against Ohio Sen. JD Vance Tuesday, confusing Israel and Iran in his response to the first question of the night.
Walz, 60, appeared nervous and dodged answering CBS News moderator Margaret Brennan’s question about whether he would support or oppose a pre-emptive strike by Israel on Iran to prevent the Islamic Republic from developing a nuclear weapon.
“Iran — er — Israel’s ability to defend itself is absolutely fundamental,” Walz said, amid a sea of “uhs.”
The Democratic nominee then used terminology usually used in reference to Iran to refer to Israel.
“The expansion of Israel and its proxies is an absolute fundamental necessity for the United States,” Walz said.
The governor did not clarify whom he believed to be Israel’s “proxies.”
Iran-backed terror groups Hezbollah and Hamas are commonly referred to as proxies of Tehran.
The Republican Jewish Coalition slammed Walz over the apparent gaffe.
“‘Israel and its proxies’ – what the hell is Tim Walz talking about?,” the group wrote on X.
“Weak, incompetent, dangerously radical,” it added.
Walz went on to slam former President Donald Trump, accusing the 78-year-old of displaying a “fickleness” toward remaining partners with US allies and coalitions.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, however, never answered Brennan’s initial question.
Meanwhile, in response to the same question, Republican vice presidential nominee Vance signaled that he would support whatever Israel decided to do in a scenario in which Iran is on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon.
“Look, it is up to Israel what they think they need to do to keep their country safe,” he said, “and we should support our allies wherever they are when they’re fighting the bad guys.”
“I think that’s the right approach to take with the Israel question,” Vance added.