U.S. Vice President JD Vance has chosen not to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming Israeli election, despite President Donald Trump publicly backing Netanyahu’s reelection bid. Vance emphasized his focus on endorsing American candidates ahead of the midterm elections and clarified that he is neither supporting nor opposing Netanyahu. His comments highlight a distinct contrast with Trump, who praised Netanyahu as a strong leader and key partner in regional security, particularly in countering Iran.

Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu came ahead of Israel’s next national election, scheduled for next week. In his social media statement on Truth Social, Trump lauded Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and an important ally, while Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Trump’s support. This endorsement stands out as a significant moment in U.S.-Israeli political relations, particularly given the complex dynamics following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, an event that has deeply influenced the region and international opinions.

Vance’s more neutral stance on Netanyahu is consistent with his previous involvement in foreign politics, albeit with a careful and selective approach. Earlier this year, Vance campaigned for Viktor Orban’s reelection in Hungary, and last year he met with controversial far-right German politician Alice Weidel, signaling his willingness to engage internationally but also his nuanced position on such matters. His comments come amid a broader debate in the U.S., where public support for Israel has seen a notable decline, complicating the political landscape surrounding American foreign policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The upcoming Israeli election is the first since the Hamas attack in late 2023, an event that has heightened scrutiny of Netanyahu’s government and its policies. Vance previously remarked in June that Israel has nearly lost its international support base and warned against alienating its remaining allies. This backdrop provides context for his decision to refrain from endorsing Netanyahu, projecting a more cautious approach during a sensitive electoral period both in Israel and the United States.