Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu, says he is focused on US midterms
US Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election on Monday.
He said he endorses American candidates and is focused on campaigning for US midterm elections, not Israel’s vote.
His decision came a day after President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu, calling him a strong partner for peace.
Israel is due to hold an election on October 27, and Netanyahu is seeking re-election.
Vance said he was not taking a position for or against Netanyahu, despite having campaigned for Hungary’s former prime minister Viktor Orban.
The question comes as Vance has criticized some Israeli government policies and argued that US interests should come first.
The endorsement divide puts attention on US-Israel ties, which are sensitive amid concerns about antisemitism and political divisions in the United States.
Vance is continuing to campaign for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley in North Carolina.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance declined on Monday to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election in Israel.
Vance said he was focusing on U.S. midterm elections and was not getting involved in Israeli elections.
His comments came after President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu.
Israel is set to hold its election on October 27.
Vance was in North Carolina campaigning for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley.
- Who
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- What
- Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu for re-election.
- When
- Monday, October 19, 2026.
- Where
- Vance made the remarks while traveling in North Carolina.
- Why
- Vance said he was focused on U.S. midterms and was not getting involved in Israeli elections.
Donald Trump
JD Vance
Endorsement
Donald Trump
Trump gave Netanyahu his “complete and total endorsement.
JD Vance
Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu and said he was not getting involved in Israeli elections.
Trump endorsed Netanyahu, according to the Times of Israel.
Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu while traveling to campaign for Michael Whatley in North Carolina.
Israel is set to go to the polls.
- Vance’s decision
- Declined to endorse Netanyahu for re-election
- Trump’s endorsement
- Complete and total endorsement
- Campaign stop
- North Carolina
- Republican Senate nominee
- Michael Whatley
- Israeli election
- October 27, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him
I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on the midterms
WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!
There’s never been a greater friend of Israel in the White House. That’s an understatement.
Posts on X
💥 @MarkHalperin: Do you endorse Benjamin Netanyahu? VANCE: “The president has the most effective endorsement in American or international political history. I endorse American candidates. I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections. “…I'm not anti-endorsing him. I'm not
President Trump, my friend Donald - thank you for your extraordinary endorsement. Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House. Together we will never let Iran's regime get nuclear weapons. Thank you for your clarity, courage and unwavering support. @realDonaldTrump