Politics · India Bureau
Vance sidesteps Netanyahu endorsement despite Trump's backing
US Vice President JD Vance has declined to endorse Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu's reelection bid, distinguishing his position from President Donald Trump who recently threw his support behind the embattled Israeli leader.
LSN India ·
Vance said his focus remains on domestic politics ahead of the midterm elections, rather than involvement in foreign political contests. "The president has the most influential endorsement in American or international political history," Vance said during an interview on Monday, effectively ceding the matter to Trump.
"I endorse American candidates, and that's where I'm focused on the midterms," Vance stated while campaigning in North Carolina for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley. "So, I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections."
The vice president's position contrasts with his previous willingness to campaign for foreign leaders. Vance campaigned for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of parliamentary elections last spring, though Orban's right-wing party ultimately lost that contest.
Vance's restraint comes amid heightened sensitivities surrounding antisemitism in American politics and concerns about the US-Israel alliance, issues that have taken centre stage as midterm elections approach.