Vance Declines to Endorse Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Election

Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27, 2026, election, saying he was focused on U.S. candidates and the midterm elections. His decision contrasts with President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of the Israeli prime minister, but the remarks do not establish a broader political break between the two men. In an interview with Mark Halperin published October 19, Vance said he was neither endorsing nor opposing Netanyahu and was not getting involved in Israeli politics. He said his attention was on American candidates contesting the midterms. The comments came as Vance was campaigning for Republicans, including Senate nominee Michael Whatley of North Carolina, according to one report. Trump endorsed Netanyahu in a Truth Social post on October 18, praising his leadership and partnership with the United States in confronting Iran. Trump also said the United States would handle Iran-related work itself if Israeli voters chose another leader, without specifying what that work would involve. Israel’s Knesset election is scheduled for October 27. Netanyahu has promoted his relationship with Trump to Israeli voters, and Trump has...