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Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection bid, saying he intends to stay out of Israel’s election despite President Donald Trump throwing his support behind the Israeli leader.
During an interview Monday with Mark Halperin on “2WAY Tonight,” Vance said his focus remains on U.S. candidates ahead of the midterms, Politico reported.
“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.”
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However, Vance made clear that his decision should not be interpreted as opposition to Netanyahu.
“I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,” the vice president added.
The comments come one day after Trump gave Netanyahu his “Complete and Total Endorsement” in a lengthy Truth Social post, praising the prime minister as a key U.S. ally and partner in confronting Iran.
“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.
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Trump said Netanyahu had remained strong despite intense political pressure.
“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!” Trump said.
Netanyahu quickly welcomed the president’s backing, thanking Trump for what he called his “extraordinary endorsement.”
“President Trump, my friend Donald — thank you for your extraordinary endorsement,” he said. “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.”
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Vance’s decision to stay out of Israel’s election comes after he reportedly waded into another foreign political contest earlier this year.
The vice president previously traveled to Hungary in April, where he campaigned alongside then-Prime Minister Viktor Orban shortly before Orban lost his reelection bid, according to Politico.
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The White House could not immediately be reached by Fox News Digital for comment.
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