JD Vance avoids endorsing Netanyahu despite Trump backing the Israeli leader

Vice President JD Vance has stated he will stay out of the upcoming Israeli elections, breaking with President Donald Trump's vocal endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Appearing Monday on Mark Halperin's program "2WAY Tonight," Vance explained that he was neither endorsing nor opposing Netanyahu. He maintained that his focus remains entirely on domestic races ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, emphasizing that he endorses American candidates. Vance did acknowledge the power of Trump's backing, describing the president's political support as among the most potent in modern history.

Vance's decision to avoid taking a stand comes despite his past involvement in foreign politics. In April, the vice president visited Hungary to campaign on behalf of longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who subsequently lost power after 16 years leading the country.

The vice president's comments arrived just a day after Trump offered Netanyahu an unequivocal boost on social media. Trump posted on Truth Social that anyone leading Israel other than Netanyahu would be a mistake, praising the prime minister as strong and courageous despite facing fierce opposition both at home and abroad. Trump framed his post as a total endorsement of Netanyahu's re-election effort.

The split in messaging unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional tension and international scrutiny. Netanyahu is facing widespread criticism over Israel's military campaign in Gaza as well as rising extremist settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Over the weekend, attacks targeted Palestinian farmers, activists and reporters, including American photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was hospitalized following an assault.

The incident drew concern from the administration, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarking that officials were deeply unsettled by footage of the violence. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the attack as terrorism, while Netanyahu initially referred to the events as alleged.

Vance has previously expressed caution regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship. In June, he cautioned Israeli leadership against resisting American diplomatic efforts regarding Iran, reminding officials in Israel that Trump represents their most critical remaining ally on the world stage. Public opinion research also reflects a shifting climate in the United States; data from the Pew Research Center indicates that American favorability toward the Israeli government dropped to 32 percent earlier this year, down from 47 percent in 2022.

During his Monday appearance, Vance also touched on his own political future, saying he has not yet determined whether he will mount a presidential run in 2028. However, Vance expressed confidence that if he does enter the race, Trump would immediately back his candidacy.