The US vice president declines to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, while Donald Trump publicly backs the Israeli prime minister.
WASHINGTON, United States — WEB DESK: US Vice President JD Vance has declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27, 2026 parliamentary election, saying he intends to stay out of Israeli electoral politics. His position contrasts with President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of Netanyahu a day earlier
Vance made the remarks during an interview with journalist Mark Halperin on Monday, October 19. He said his focus remained on American candidates and the upcoming US midterm elections.
“I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,” Vance said, according to AFP’s report published by Dawn.
Trump publicly backs Netanyahu
Trump endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday, October 18, praising the Israeli leader as a strong ally and partner in confronting Iran.
The endorsement came ahead of Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election, in which Netanyahu is seeking another term as prime minister. Trump’s statement marked a public expression of support for the longtime Israeli leader as the election approached.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, highlighting the close relationship between the two leaders.
Vance says his focus is on US elections
Vance said he would concentrate on American political contests rather than take a position on Israel’s election.
His stance is notable because he previously travelled to Hungary in April to support then-prime minister Viktor Orbán before Orbán’s party lost the parliamentary election. Vance has also expressed support for Germany’s Alternative for Germany party, according to AFP.
The contrast between Vance’s current position and his previous involvement in foreign elections has drawn attention to the differing approaches of senior US officials toward international political campaigns.
US-Israel relations remain a key issue
Vance has described Israel as an American ally but has also publicly criticised Israeli officials over disagreements involving US efforts to address the conflict with Iran.
His latest comments come amid broader political debate in the United States over the country’s relationship with Israel and its approach to the Middle East. The Trump administration’s support for Netanyahu and Vance’s decision not to endorse him illustrate different public positions on involvement in the Israeli election.
However, Vance’s remarks do not amount to an endorsement of Netanyahu’s opponents. He explicitly said he was neither supporting nor opposing the Israeli prime minister’s reelection bid.
