US Vice President Declines to Endorse Netanyahu in Israeli Election

The U.S. Vice President has publicly distanced himself from the upcoming Israeli parliamentary elections, stating he will not officially endorse Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The American official emphasized his focus is solely on domestic U.S. policy and the upcoming midterm elections. "I am not for or against supporting him. I am not interfering in the Israeli elections," the Vice President stated. This stance contrasts with former President Donald Trump, who had previously announced his support for Netanyahu shortly before a vote. Earlier this year, the U.S. Vice President had actively supported Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during his campaign, though Orbán ultimately lost. Trump, conversely, frequently offers public endorsements of foreign politicians, some of whom have gone on to win their elections.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a secret, unannounced visit to Israel. He held discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister at the southern Israeli airbase Ovda, which hosts American fighter jets and refueling aircraft. Hegseth also met with American service members stationed at the base. This visit occurred just over a week before the Israeli parliamentary vote. The trip comes amid ongoing consultations between Washington and Jerusalem regarding potential scenarios for resuming large-scale operations against Iran. Neither the U.S. nor Israeli official departments provided detailed comments on the closed-door meeting. Axios reported on the visit, citing insiders, with journalist Barak Ravid specifying the meeting location. The U.S. military's presence at Ovda includes fighter jets and refueling planes.