I only endorse American candidates: Vance refuses to back Netanyahu for re-election

US Vice President JD Vance has refused to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election bid, stating he would not involve himself in Israeli politics as the nation prepares for its upcoming elections. His comments were made during an interview with journalist Mark Halperin on Monday, just one day after President Donald Trump publicly supported Netanyahu. Vance emphasized that his focus remained on the United States' midterm elections, declaring, "I endorse American candidates, and that's where I'm focused on the midterms." He clarified that he was neither supporting nor opposing Netanyahu's candidacy, choosing instead to remain neutral on the Israeli electoral process. Vance's decision not to endorse Netanyahu comes at a critical juncture for the US-Israel relationship, particularly given the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli government's stance on Trump's diplomatic efforts with Iran. Earlier this year, Vance criticized members of Netanyahu's government for opposing Trump's attempts to resolve the conflict with Iran. During an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, Vance stated that certain individuals within the Israeli government were attempting to manipulate American public opinion to prolong the war. The vice president's remarks highlight a divergence in approach between him and Trump regarding the Israeli leader's re-election campaign. While Trump has offered robust support for Netanyahu, Vance has opted to avoid direct involvement in Israeli domestic affairs. This decision contrasts with his previous engagement in international politics, such as when he traveled to Hungary earlier this year to campaign for then-Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose right-wing party later lost the parliamentary election. Vance faces scrutiny from Jewish Republicans concerning his commitment to the US-Israel alliance and his stance on antisemitism in American politics. Recently, he addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), a prominent group advocating for strong US ties with Israel and opposing antisemitism, during a private meeting in Las Vegas. Although he left a positive impression on attendees, he did not explicitly distance himself from influential conservative podcast host Tucker Carlson, who has faced criticism for associating with individuals holding antisemitic views. Despite his current neutrality on Netanyahu's re-election, Vance has not ruled out running for president in 2028. Should he pursue the presidency, he believes Trump would endorse him early on. However, his potential candidacy reflects broader discontent within the Republican Party over the unconditional support for Israel, especially in light of the ongoing conflict with Iran and its economic repercussions for American citizens. As Israel heads into its elections, the contrasting stances of Vance and Trump underscore the complex dynamics within the US-Israel relationship and the evolving perspectives among key political figures on both sides of the Atlantic.