Vance Declines to Back Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections

Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27, 2026, election, distancing himself from President Donald Trump's public support for the Israeli leader while emphasizing his focus on American politics. Vance made the remarks during a Monday interview with journalist Mark Halperin as divisions over US policy toward Israel continued to challenge Republicans.

Trump endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday, October 18, according to Al Jazeera and The Globe and Mail. Vance's refusal to follow suit came as the vice president prepared to campaign for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley in North Carolina ahead of the US midterm elections.

The Globe and Mail reported that Vance acknowledged the considerable influence of Trump's endorsements but stopped short of predicting how the president would approach a potential 2028 Republican primary. His comments also followed renewed attention to his position on international affairs and his relationship with the president.

Vance explained his decision to avoid involvement in Israel's electoral contest during the interview with Halperin.

“I'm not anti-endorsing him. I'm not pro-endorsing him. I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections,” Vance said, according to Al Jazeera.

He subsequently emphasized that his political priorities remained within the United States.

“I endorse American candidates, and that's where I'm focused on the midterms,” Vance said, according to The Globe and Mail.

Vance previously supported a foreign political leader when he backed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban before Hungary's parliamentary election in the spring of 2026. Orban's party subsequently suffered a decisive defeat to Peter Magyar, Al Jazeera reported.

Vance's latest comments come amid scrutiny of Republican attitudes toward Israel and the US relationship with Netanyahu's government. The Globe and Mail reported that Jewish Republicans have questioned Vance's commitment to the alliance, while Republican candidates have continued to debate how best to address concerns about antisemitism and US support for Israel.

In June, Vance criticized members of Israel's government for opposing Trump's efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran. He also challenged Israel's approach to national security, according to Al Jazeera, as disagreements over the conflict contributed to wider tensions surrounding Washington's Middle East policy.

In July, Vance alleged that elements of the Israeli government had attempted to influence American public opinion to undermine negotiations. His remarks underscored tensions between the administration's diplomatic objectives and factions within Israel's political leadership.

Meanwhile, Vance's domestic political future remains a subject of speculation. In a separate interview with Halperin broadcast on Monday, October 19, Vance said he had not decided whether to run for president in 2028 and had not discussed the timing of a possible endorsement with Trump.

“I really haven't made up my mind,” Vance said in the interview, according to Irish Star.

He expressed confidence that Trump would likely support him if he entered the race, while acknowledging that the president might prefer to let the Republican nomination contest develop without an early endorsement.

“I think if I run, the president will endorse me,” Vance said, according to Irish Star.

When Halperin asked whether Trump would endorse him immediately after a formal announcement, Vance said he had not discussed the matter with the president.

“I would think so, but I don't know, man; I haven't talked to him about it,” Vance responded, according to Irish Star.

Vance also suggested that an endorsement would not necessarily need to determine the outcome of a primary contest.

“I think I would get his endorsement. I think there's something to be said for people actually running their own race. Because the president's endorsement is so dispositive, you could absolutely see the scenario where the president says, 'You know what, we need to let this race play out and not preemptively prejudge the results,'” Vance said, according to Irish Star.

“My attitude is if I run, I think the president will endorse me, but I also haven't talked to him about it,” Vance added, according to Irish Star.

The White House also scheduled a joint appearance by Trump and Vance for Tuesday, October 20, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time. Irish Star reported that the event was identified as an announcement concerning a fraud task force and a proposed $25 million Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, which could provide eligible tipsters with up to $30,000 for information leading to a fraud conviction or significant federal enforcement action.

The announcement came as Vance continued to navigate questions about his political ambitions, his relationship with Trump and his approach to international political disputes while campaigning for Republicans ahead of the US midterm elections.