Vance Declines to Endorse Netanyahu, Says He'll Stay Out of Israeli Elections
Vice President JD Vance said he will not weigh in on Benjamin Netanyahu's reelection bid, a day after President Trump gave the Israeli prime minister his «Complete and Total Endorsement.» Vance said his focus is on American candidates ahead of the midterms.
Vice President JD Vance said he will not endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reelection campaign, drawing a distinction with President Donald Trump, who issued a full-throated endorsement of the Israeli leader a day earlier.
In an interview Monday with Mark Halperin on «2WAY Tonight,» Vance said his political focus remains on U.S. races ahead of the midterms. «The president has the most effective endorsement in American or international political history,» Vance said. «I endorse American candidates, and that's where I'm focused on in the midterms. So I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections.»
Vance stressed that his decision should not be read as a break with Netanyahu. «I'm not anti-endorsing him. I'm not pro-endorsing him. I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections,» he said.
The remarks came one day after Trump announced on Truth Social that he was giving Netanyahu his «Complete and Total Endorsement» in the upcoming race. Trump praised the prime minister as a key U.S. ally and a partner in confronting Iran.
«Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran,» Trump wrote. He added that Netanyahu had remained strong despite intense political pressure and urged Israeli voters to support him. «Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel. BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!» Trump said.
Netanyahu quickly welcomed the president's backing, thanking Trump for what he called an «extraordinary endorsement.» «President Trump, my friend Donald — thank you for your extraordinary endorsement,» Netanyahu said. «Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House. Together we will never let Iran's regime get nuclear weapons. Thank you for your clarity, courage and unwavering support.»
Vance's decision to stay out of the Israeli contest follows another foray into foreign politics earlier this year. The vice president traveled to Hungary in April, where he campaigned alongside then-Prime Minister Viktor Orban shortly before Orban lost his reelection bid.
The split in approach comes as the Trump administration balances its close alignment with Netanyahu against the domestic political calendar. Vance, who is widely seen as a potential future presidential contender, has signaled that his priority is helping Republican candidates in the United States rather than weighing in on contests abroad.
The White House could not immediately be reached for comment.
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