WASHINGTON, USA — US Vice President JD Vance on Monday declined to say whether he supports Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid for re-election, distancing himself from President Donald Trump, who recently publicly endorsed the Israeli leader.
“I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,” Vance said in an interview with journalist Mark Halperin.
“I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused — on the US midterms,” he added.
Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday. The Israeli prime minister is seeking another term in office in Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election.
Vance’s decision to stay out of the Israeli election contrasts with his involvement in several European political contests. Ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary election in April, he travelled to Budapest to campaign in support of then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, another right-wing political leader.
Vance has also expressed support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Last year, he met the party’s leader, Alice Weidel.
Widely viewed as a potential successor to Trump in the 2028 presidential election, Vance has reportedly opposed launching the US-Israeli war against Iran, although he has since defended the military campaign.
The vice president has also sharply criticised Israeli officials who objected to a temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran in June.
“Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment,” Vance said at the time.
“If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” he added.
Vance’s latest remarks underscore his stated position that he intends to focus on American elections rather than take sides in Israel’s domestic political contest, despite Trump’s public backing of Netanyahu.
SOURCE : AGENCIES | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
