US Vice President Vance Declines to Endorse Netanyahu in Israeli Elections

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated he will remain neutral in the upcoming Israeli Knesset elections, differentiating his stance from former President Donald Trump's public endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with American journalist Mark Halperin, Vance explained his preference to focus on domestic U.S. politics, particularly the midterm elections, and avoid interfering in Israel's internal affairs. "The President has the most influential political support in the history of American or world politics. I express support for American candidates, and that's what I focus on, in the midterm elections. Therefore, I am not interfering in the elections in Israel," Vance said when asked if he would follow Trump's lead. He clarified that his neutrality should not be interpreted as opposition to Netanyahu, stating, "I am not opposed to expressing support for him, nor am I in favor of expressing support for him. I am not interfering in the elections in Israel."

Vance also commented on the ongoing conflict with Iran, addressing speculation about potential further U.S. strikes. He defended the administration's policy, arguing that ending the confrontation without achieving its objectives could grant Tehran unacceptable influence over global energy supplies. "Look, it can end very quickly if the President of the United States decides to give up and allow the Iranians to control the global oil supply. I don't think any American would truly want him to do that." When questioned about the conflict's prolonged duration, Vance remarked, "These things always have phases."