Vice President JD Vance clarified that he will not endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following President Donald Trump’s “complete and total endorsement” of Netanyahu as he seeks re-election this month. “I’m not getting involved in the Israeli elections,” Vance said during an interview on Mark Halperin’s show “2WAY Tonight.” He added, “I’m neither opposing nor supporting him.”
Vance noted that Trump’s endorsement is “the most effective endorsement in American or international political history.” Still, he emphasized that he only endorses “American candidates.” “I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on is the midterm,” Vance said. “I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”
However, Vance traveled to Budapest, Hungary, earlier this year to support Trump-endorsed Viktor Orbán ahead of his election, which the 16-year prime minister lost. Last year, the vice president also met with the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Munich, although he did not give his full endorsement. Vance has not yet responded regarding the apparent contradiction in his statement about a non-U.S. election.
The partnership between U.S. and Israel remains intact
Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu comes at a time when the Israeli leader faces sharp criticism over U.S. involvement in deadly airstrikes on Gaza and rising settler violence in the occupied West Bank, where recent attacks have targeted Palestinian farmers, activists, and journalists. Trump has described Netanyahu as a “great warrior prime minister” and a partner for peace, highlighting their cooperation in joint strikes on Iran in February. The ongoing conflict in Iran has affected the global energy markets and caused widespread damage across the Middle East, impacting critical infrastructure and destabilizing regional economies.
“If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so. Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel itself. Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived! I have watched Bibi under the most trying of times. BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Recent polling indicates that support for Israel among the American public has declined in recent years. According to a May survey by the Pew Research Center, favorable views of the Israeli government dropped from 47% in 2022 to 32% in 2026.
Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud Party trails former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar Party by a couple of points, according to a poll published by Haaretz. Netanyahu’s popularity has declined due to the ongoing conflicts, and public support for Trump has also waned among Israelis. Israel will hold its parliamentary elections on October 27.
Published: Oct 21, 2026 11:16 am