Trump endorsed Netanyahu Sunday on Truth Social
Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, breaking with President Trump who publicly backed Netanyahu on Sunday. The vote is Israel’s first national election since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, and will be a referendum on Netanyahu’s response.
Trump endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday in a post on Truth Social, writing that Netanyahu “has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The endorsement came days before the October 27 vote.
When asked Monday whether he also endorsed Netanyahu — Israel’s longest-serving prime minister — Vance told journalist Mark Halperin, “I endorse American candidates and that’s where I’m focused on, is the midterms, so I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.” He added: “I’m not anti-endorsing him, I’m not pro-endorsing him, I’m not getting involved in Israeli politics.”
Vance’s refusal to endorse Netanyahu contrasts with his involvement in other recent international elections. In April, Vance traveled to Budapest five days before Hungary’s election to publicly endorse then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s re-election bid, saying at the time that he was in Budapest “to help him in this campaign cycle.” Last year, Vance met with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany’s AfD party, during the Munich Security Conference.
Vance has taken a different approach than Trump on the U.S. relationship with Israel. He has accused elements of the Israeli government of being behind a campaign to shape U.S. public opinion about the war with Iran and undermine negotiations to end the conflict. He has also said that Israel is an ally that is no more important than other U.S. allies.
Vance’s positions have drawn criticism from some Republicans who believe the bond between the U.S. and Israel is a more special one. Vance is traveling extensively to boost Republican candidates as the midterms approach and has stayed away from giving his own endorsements separate from Trump. His independent endorsements have largely been personal, including his backing of his half-brother Cory Bowman in the Cincinnati mayoral race.