Vice President JD Vance said he will not endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection campaign, a day after President Donald Trump publicly threw his support behind the Israeli leader.
Speaking with Mark Halperin on “2WAY Tonight” Monday, Vance said he is keeping his attention on American politics ahead of the midterms rather than weighing in on Israel’s race.
“The president has the most effective endorsement in American or international political history,” Vance said. “I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on in the midterms. So I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”
Vance went on to stress that staying silent doesn’t mean he’s against Netanyahu.
“I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,” he said.
The remarks came just one day after Trump posted a lengthy statement on Truth Social offering Netanyahu what he called his “Complete and Total Endorsement,” calling him a vital U.S. ally in the standoff with Iran.
“Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote.
Trump also praised Netanyahu for standing firm under political pressure, writing, “Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel. BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Netanyahu responded quickly, thanking Trump for the show of support.
“President Trump, my friend Donald — thank you for your extraordinary endorsement,” Netanyahu said. “Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House. Together we will never let Iran’s regime get nuclear weapons. Thank you for your clarity, courage and unwavering support.”
Vance’s choice to keep out of Israel’s election is a notable change from his approach to another foreign race earlier this year. In April, he traveled to Hungary and campaigned alongside then-Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who went on to lose his bid for reelection.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Vance’s remarks.
