US Vice President Vance Declines to Endorse Netanyahu in Israeli Election

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated he would not endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming Israeli elections, a stance that contrasts with former President Donald Trump's public support for Netanyahu. Vance made these remarks during an interview on the program 2WAY with journalist Mark Halperin. When asked directly if he supported Netanyahu in the election scheduled for the following week, Vance responded that he only endorses American candidates and is focused on the U.S. midterm elections. "I express my support only for American candidates, and that's what I'm focused on ahead of the midterm elections. Therefore, I am not involved in the elections in Israel," Vance said. He clarified that he was neither expressing support for nor opposition to Netanyahu, emphasizing his non-interference in Israeli elections.

Vance's comments followed a public statement of support for Netanyahu released by former President Trump the previous Sunday. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Netanyahu as a "great fighter" and "even greater partner for peace" in the struggle against Iran, adding that "This is the kind of partner the United States of America needs from Israel."

However, reports indicate that some of Trump's close advisors had cautioned him against publicly endorsing Netanyahu in the upcoming election, suggesting a lack of consensus within the former president's circle regarding such support.