US Vice President JD Vance has distanced himself from Israel’s election campaign, saying he will not endorse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 vote.
Vance made the position clear during an interview with journalist Mark Halperin on Monday, a day after US President Donald Trump publicly declared his support for Netanyahu.
“I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,” Vance said.
He added that his attention was on American politics, particularly the upcoming midterm elections.
“I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on is the midterms,” he said.
Vance’s position contrasts with Trump’s longstanding support for Netanyahu, whose government has maintained close ties with the US president throughout his two terms in office.
During his first presidency, Trump relocated the US embassy to Jerusalem, recognised Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights and withdrew Washington from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. His administration also facilitated normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab countries.
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has continued military support for Israel while Washington has also become involved in a conflict with Iran.
Vance, who is viewed as a potential Republican presidential contender in 2028, has increasingly become associated with divisions within the party over US involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts and its support for Israel.
The economic consequences of the US-Israel war with Iran, including rising costs for American consumers, have added to the debate over Washington’s regional commitments.
Although Vance has maintained that the US should continue supporting Israel, his position has attracted criticism and scepticism from some Jewish Republicans.
In June, amid disagreements over a proposed ceasefire with Iran, Vance cautioned Israel against relying on military force to resolve every security challenge.
“You can’t just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have,” he said.
He also warned Netanyahu’s government against damaging its relationship with Trump, describing the US president as Israel’s only powerful ally.
Meanwhile, the impact of Trump’s endorsement on Netanyahu’s Likud party remains uncertain as Israelis prepare to vote on October 27.
Some opinion polls suggest that the Yashar party, led by former Israeli military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, is ahead of Likud. Eisenkot has said he intends to build an opposition alliance capable of forming the next government.
The election comes amid debate over Netanyahu’s handling of regional security, including Israel’s operations in Lebanon and the conflict with Iran.