VP JD Vance Declines to Endorse Netanyahu, Diverging from Trump's Support

Vice President JD Vance stated on Monday that he would not endorse Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, a position that contrasts with President Donald Trump's recent backing of the Israeli prime minister. In an interview with journalist Mark Halperin aboard Air Force Two, Vance explained his focus: "I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on is the midterm. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections."

This stance comes despite Vance's earlier trip to Budapest, Hungary, where he supported Trump-endorsed Victor Orbán in his election bid, an election the prime minister ultimately lost. Vance clarified his position on endorsing Netanyahu, stating, "I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections."

Previously, Trump himself had also delayed endorsing Netanyahu. Trump told Time magazine earlier this month, "I’m not involved in [Israeli] politics anymore." However, on Saturday, Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu, referring to him as a "Great Warrior Prime Minister" in a social media post.

Vance's decision not to endorse Netanyahu, while Trump has, occurs just days before Israel's election. Concurrently, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel, according to two sources familiar with the matter and a US official. Hegseth met with Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday evening, as confirmed by an Israeli source familiar with the details and another source.