US Vice President Vance Declines to Endorse Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Election

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has stated he will not publicly endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Vance's comments came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his support for the Israeli premier. In an interview with the digital publication 2WAY, Vance explained that his focus is on American domestic policy and he does not intend to interfere in the Israeli electoral campaign. "I support American candidates, and right now I am focused on the midterm elections," Vance said. He clarified that he neither supports nor opposes Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu, stating, "I am not against his support, but not for it either, I am not interfering in the Israeli elections." This stance contrasts with President Trump's public backing of Netanyahu prior to the vote. Earlier this year, Vance visited Budapest and supported Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during his election campaign. The article also notes other news items, including a secret visit by U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegset to Israel to meet Netanyahu, a morning digest of Israeli and world news from October 19, an Israeli prime minister's advisor admitting cooperation with Qatar, Gantz warning Israel against internal division, the European Commission preparing its 22nd package of sanctions against Russia, Netanyahu's reaction to Trump's words, ultra-Orthodox reformers continuing their fight for Knesset seats, and Pope Leo XIV discussing the humanitarian crisis in Oleshki with Zelensky.