In a recent interview, Vice President JD Vance chose not to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections, despite former President Donald Trump’s enthusiastic support for Netanyahu’s re-election campaign. Vance made his views known during a conversation on Mark Halperin’s program, “2WAY Tonight,” where he expressed his decision to remain neutral.
“I’m not getting involved in the Israeli elections,” Vance stated, emphasizing his stance of neutrality. He further clarified, “I’m not anti-endorsing him; I’m not pro-endorsing him,” thereby indicating that he has no intention of publicly backing any candidate in the election.
Only a day before Vance’s comment, Trump had taken to social media to issue a strong endorsement for Netanyahu, asserting that a change in leadership away from Netanyahu would adversely impact the United States’ relationship with Israel. On Truth Social, Trump proclaimed, “If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so. Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself.” This statement underscored Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu.”
Vance acknowledged the significance of Trump’s political influence, noting, “Trump has the most effective endorsement in American or international political history.” However, he reiterated that his priority lies in endorsing American candidates as midterm elections approach, steering clear of involvement in foreign electoral contests.
This is not the first time Vance has engaged with foreign political figures; earlier this year, he campaigned in Hungary for Viktor Orbán, who lost his position as Prime Minister after 16 years in power. When discussing his future political ambitions, Vance stated that he has not yet decided on a potential presidential run in 2028, but expressed confidence that Trump would lend his support should he choose to pursue candidacy. “I really have not made up my mind about what to do in 2028. I just haven’t focused on it,” he explained. “I think if I run, the president will endorse me right away, right at the beginning.”
