Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu's reelection bid, one day after Trump's full endorsement
Vice President JD Vance said Monday he would not endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reelection bid, stating he does not get involved in Israeli elections and is focused on U.S. midterm candidates. His comments came one day after President Donald Trump posted a "Complete and Total Endorsement" of Netanyahu on Truth Social, calling him a "Great Warrior." Netanyahu thanked Trump for what he called an "extraordinary endorsement."
Two sources · Thin corroboration
Vance made his position clear in an interview Monday with Mark Halperin on "2WAY Tonight," saying: "I'm not anti-endorsing him. I'm not pro-endorsing him. I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections." He added that his focus is on American candidates ahead of the midterms.
Vance took pains to frame his non-endorsement as neutral rather than critical of Netanyahu. "The president has the most effective endorsement in American or international political history," he said, appearing to deflect any suggestion of a rift by elevating Trump's endorsement.
Trump's Truth Social post, issued Sunday, praised Netanyahu as "a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran," and stated "BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN." Netanyahu responded by calling Trump "my friend Donald" and thanking him for his "clarity, courage and unwavering support." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also met with Netanyahu in Israel on Monday, and a spokesman for the prime minister's office told The Washington Post that Trump's endorsement was part of their discussion. The Pentagon declined to comment.