Fox News reported that Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection bid, even as President Donald Trump backed Netanyahu with what he called a “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
What Vance said
During an interview Monday with Mark Halperin on “2WAY Tonight,” Vance said he is focusing on U.S. candidates ahead of the midterms, according to Politico, as cited by Fox News. “The president has the most effective endorsement in American or international political history,” Vance said. “I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on in the midterms. So I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”
Vance added that his stance should not be read as opposition to Netanyahu: “I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,” Fox News reported.
Trump’s public backing
Fox News said Vance’s comments came one day after Trump posted a lengthy endorsement on Truth Social. “Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote. “Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel. BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Netanyahu responds
According to Fox News, Netanyahu thanked Trump, saying: “President Trump, my friend Donald — thank you for your extraordinary endorsement. Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House. Together we will never let Iran’s regime get nuclear weapons. Thank you for your clarity, courage and unwavering support.”
