Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu for re-election, a day after Trump's "Complete and Total Endorsement"
US Vice President JD Vance said he was "not getting involved" in Israel's 27 October election and was focused on the US midterms, after President Donald Trump publicly backed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US Vice President JD Vance declined on Monday 19 October (US time) to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election, a day after President Donald Trump publicly backed him, NBC News and the Associated Press reported.
“I’m not anti-endorsing him; I’m not pro-endorsing him,” Vance said in an interview with journalist Mark Halperin, according to NBC News. “I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on the midterms,” he said, AP reported. “So, I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”
Vance also praised the weight of Trump’s backing, saying the president’s endorsement was the most influential “in American or international political history”, according to AP.
On Sunday Trump wrote on Truth Social that his post was his “Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu”, NBC News reported.
Vance campaigned in April for Viktor Orbán, then Hungary’s prime minister, before Orbán’s party lost that country’s election, AP and NBC News reported. In June, Vance criticised members of Israel’s government for opposing Trump’s efforts to end the war with Iran, AP reported.
Israel holds a national election on 27 October. US midterm elections take place on 3 November.
See also: Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s 27 October election and Hegseth discussed Iran with Netanyahu during unannounced visit to Israel.
Sources
- Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu after Trump offers full support for re-election · NBC News
- JD Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu for reelection, says he's focusing on midterms · Associated Press (via ABC News)
- JD Vance declines to endorse Israeli PM Netanyahu for reelection · Politico
- Vance refuses to endorse Netanyahu as Trump offers praise · CNBC
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