‘Not Getting Involved’: Vance Steers Clear Of Israel Polls After Trump Backs Netanyahu

Last Updated:October 21, 2026, 02:20 IST

Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday, predicting that the Israeli prime minister would secure a victory.

Combo pic: US Vice President JD Vance and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AFP photos)

US Vice President JD Vance has said he will not endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 parliamentary elections, distancing himself from President Donald Trump, who has publicly backed 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 on Monday.

“I endorse American candidates and that’s where I’m focused on is the (US) midterms,” he added.

Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday, predicting that the Israeli prime minister would secure a victory. Netanyahu is seeking another term amid a closely fought election campaign.

‘I Endorse American Candidates’

Vance’s decision to stay out of the Israeli election contrasts with his involvement in European politics. In April, he travelled to Hungary to campaign for then-prime minister Viktor Orban ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections. He has also voiced support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Vance, widely seen as a potential successor to Trump in 2029, has previously expressed reservations about the US-Israeli war against Iran, although he has since defended the campaign.

His latest remarks come amid differences between Washington and Israeli officials over the conflict and a short-lived ceasefire with Iran in June.

Trump Endorses Netanyahu

Trump’s endorsement was warmly received by Netanyahu, who shared a video of a phone call between the two leaders on Monday.

“I think you’re going to have a tremendous victory, actually,” Trump told Netanyahu, adding, “You’re the man I want by my side, Bibi.”

Netanyahu, in turn, praised Trump’s support for Israel’s military campaign against Iran, saying, “Donald, we have a job to finish. We’ll finish it together.”

Netanyahu Faces Divided Opinion

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, remains a polarising figure ahead of the election. His government has faced criticism over the war in Gaza and its handling of the conflict with Iran.

Trump has repeatedly supported Netanyahu, including during his first presidential term, when he moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

However, Netanyahu’s main challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, said that while he respected Trump, the decision rested with Israeli voters.

“Only Israelis can choose their leader,” Eisenkot said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Why did US Vice President JD Vance refuse to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel’s election?

JD Vance stated that he is focusing exclusively on American candidates and upcoming US midterms, declaring that he does not get involved in foreign parliamentary elections.

How does Donald Trump’s stance on endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu differ from JD Vance’s?

In contrast to JD Vance’s policy of non-involvement, President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 election, predicting a tremendous victory.

Who is Benjamin Netanyahu’s main challenger in Israel’s parliamentary elections?

Benjamin Netanyahu is locked in a tight election race against an opposition alliance led by former military chief and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

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