I am Not For or Against Netanyahu in Israeli Elections: US Vice President JD Vance
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
US Vice President JD Vance has declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election, distancing himself from President Donald Trump’s recent public backing of the Israeli leader just days before Israel’s election.
“I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on is the midterm,” Vance told journalist Mark Halperin in an interview aboard Air Force Two. “I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”
Vance Says He Is Neither For Nor Against Netanyahu Endorsement
Vance reiterated that he was not taking a position on whether Netanyahu should be re-elected.
“I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,” he said.
His remarks came after Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu on Saturday, describing him as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” in a social media post.
Trump had previously indicated that he would stay out of Israeli politics. Earlier this month, he told Time magazine, “I’m not involved in [Israeli] politics anymore.”
Vance’s Earlier Support For Orbán Draws Attention
Vance’s position also contrasts with his visit to Budapest, Hungary, earlier this year, when he campaigned in support of Trump-backed Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s election. Orbán, who had served as prime minister for years, subsequently lost the election.
Vance’s refusal to endorse Netanyahu comes as the US administration faces attention over its public engagement with foreign elections.
US Defence Secretary Visits Israel
The comments also coincided with an unannounced visit to Israel by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to two sources familiar with the matter and a US official.
Hegseth met Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Monday evening, an Israeli source familiar with the details and another source confirmed.
The meetings took place just days before Israel’s election, placing Vance’s remarks and Trump’s endorsement against the backdrop of heightened political activity in both countries.
