JD Vance Sidesteps Netanyahu Endorsement, Citing Focus on Midterm Elections
Vice President JD Vance declines to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, prioritizing U.S. midterm campaigns over involvement in Israeli politics.
POLICY WIRE — Hendersonville, N.C. — Vice President JD Vance declined on Monday to offer an endorsement for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection bid, distancing himself from the support expressed by President Donald Trump just one day earlier.
During an interview with journalist Mark Halperin, Vance emphasized that he is currently prioritizing domestic political races. He stated that he is focused on American candidates for the upcoming midterms and is not getting involved in Israeli elections.
Vance noted that the president holds the most influential endorsement in international political history, yet he maintained his own focus remains on the U.S. campaign trail. The Vice President made these remarks while traveling to support Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley in North Carolina.
This stance arrives during a period of heightened sensitivity regarding the U.S.-Israel alliance and concerns over antisemitism. While Vance previously campaigned for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, he has faced scrutiny from Jewish Republicans regarding his commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Vance has previously expressed skepticism toward elements of the Israeli government, alleging in July that some officials were manipulating American public opinion to prolong the war. He also criticized Israeli government members in June for opposing President Trump’s efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
