U.S. Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection next week, a move that contrasts with the public backing President Donald Trump gave the Israeli leader.
In an interview on Mark Halperin's 2WAY Tonight, published Monday, Vance explained that his focus is on American midterm elections rather than foreign contests. "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."
Vance clarified that his silence is not a criticism of Netanyahu. "I'm not anti-endorsing him. I'm not pro-endorsing him," he said, adding that he is not getting involved in Israeli elections.
This stance contrasts with President Trump's approach. On Sunday, Trump praised Netanyahu, whom he described as the country's longest-serving prime minister, on Truth Social. Trump called him "a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combating the Islamic Republic of Iran." In response, Netanyahu thanked Trump for his "tremendous support and work together" in a social media post.
Vance has previously intervened in foreign political races. In April, he campaigned in Budapest to endorse then-Prime Minister Viktor Orban's reelection bid. Orban was later voted out of power after serving for 16 years. Additionally, during a security conference in Munich last year, Vance met with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party, a party that Elon Musk was also supporting at the time.
The upcoming Israeli vote marks the first national election since Hamas attacked Israel in late 2023. These comments arrive as U.S. public support for Israel, which has historically been strong among both Republicans and Democrats, has dropped sharply. Americans have also engaged in vigorous debate regarding the Netanyahu-led government's response to the Hamas attack.
In June, Vance stated that Israel has almost no friends left in the world and should think carefully before turning against the one ally it still has.