Vice President JD Vance has opted not to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid for reelection. This decision comes even as President Donald Trump extends his support to the Israeli leader.
In an interview with Mark Halperin on ‘2WAY Tonight,’ Vance mentioned focusing on U.S. elections as the midterms approach, according to a Politico report. He stated, ‘The president has the most effective endorsement in American or international political history. I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on in the midterms. So I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.’
Despite Vance’s stance, he clarified that his lack of endorsement does not signify opposition to Netanyahu. ‘I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,’ Vance emphasized.
The comments come a day after Trump provided Netanyahu with his ‘Complete and Total Endorsement’ through a lengthy Truth Social post, highlighting the prime minister’s role as a key U.S. ally against Iran.
Trump praised Netanyahu as a ‘Great Warrior Prime Minister’ and an ‘even greater Partner for Peace.’ He wrote, ‘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 expressed gratitude to Trump, thanking him for what he termed an ‘extraordinary endorsement.’ ‘President Trump, my friend Donald — thank you for your extraordinary endorsement,’ Netanyahu responded. ‘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 decision to refrain from endorsing in Israel’s election follows his involvement in Hungary’s political scene earlier this year. Vance had visited Hungary in April to campaign alongside then-Prime Minister Viktor Orban shortly before Orban’s unsuccessful reelection bid, as per Politico.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Sophia Compton, a writer at Fox News Digital, previously covered business, finance, energy, and tourism. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, obtained in 2021. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].