US Vice President Vance Declines to Endorse Netanyahu

US Vice President J.D. Vance stated on Monday that he would not endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming Israeli elections, differentiating himself from President Donald Trump's explicit support. Vance emphasized his focus on the upcoming US midterm elections, telling interviewer Mark Halperin on "2WAY Tonight" that he does not interfere in Israeli elections. He clarified that his neutrality was neither a refusal nor an explicit endorsement of Netanyahu's candidacy.

Earlier on Sunday, President Trump had unequivocally backed Netanyahu for another term, writing on his Truth Social platform that Israel might need to rely more on American support if the election outcome is unfavorable. Trump described any candidate other than Netanyahu as a "wrong" leader and praised the Israeli Prime Minister as "strong, brave, and brilliant" despite significant opposition, pledging his "full support" for "Bibi Netanyahu."

Vance, however, consciously avoided such a commitment to Netanyahu. This restraint is notable given Vance's past involvement in foreign election campaigns, including his support for Viktor Orbán in Hungary's April elections, which Orbán lost after 16 years in power. Vance explained his current stance by reiterating his commitment to supporting American candidates in the US midterms.

Regarding his own political future, Vance indicated he has not yet decided whether to run for president in 2028, stating he is not seriously considering it at this time. He anticipates receiving immediate support from the current president if he decides to run.