J.D. Vance vs. Trump: He refused to support Netanyahu

U.S. Vice President JD Vance refused to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election ahead of the November 27 parliamentary vote, contrasting sharply with President Donald Trump, who gave Netanyahu explicit support. Vance made the statement during an interview with journalist Mark Halperin on Monday, emphasizing that his focus remains on U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November 3. "I'm not anti-endorsing him. I'm not pro-endorsing him. I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections," Vance said. He clarified that his efforts were directed toward supporting American candidates, stating, "I endorse American candidates, and that's where I'm focused on the midterms." Trump had earlier expressed full and total support for Netanyahu, whom he described as "Strong, Brave, and Brilliant." In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that if Israel had the wrong leader, the United States would have to take on the responsibility alone, which he said he was not inclined to do. Vance's stance diverges from his previous actions regarding foreign leaders. Earlier this year, he supported Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán before Orbán's right-wing party lost the parliamentary election after 16 years in power. Vance also showed affinity for Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, meeting with its leader Alice Weidel and criticizing the major parties' "sanitary cordons" around the group. The U.S.-Israel relationship has been under scrutiny, particularly with concerns about antisemitism in American politics ahead of the midterms. Republicans have attempted to frame Democratic candidates as hostile toward Jewish communities and Israel, though internal divisions over Israel and antisemitism have also arisen within the GOP. Vance, seen as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, has voiced skepticism about the U.S.'s unconditional support for Israel. He has faced questions from Jewish Republicans about his commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance. In June, he cautioned Israel against relying solely on military action to resolve all national security issues and warned Netanyahu's cabinet against alienating Trump, whom he called "the only" person capable of leading the U.S. response to regional challenges. Vance's decision not to endorse Netanyahu comes amid ongoing tensions related to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, which has increased costs for American consumers. While Vance has affirmed the need for continued U.S. support for Israel, his position reflects broader discontent within the Republican Party over Washington's unwavering backing of Israel. Vance did not confirm whether he would seek the presidency in 2028 but suggested that if he did, Trump would endorse him early in the campaign. His comments highlight a divergence in approach between the vice president and the president regarding Israel's domestic political landscape.