US Vice Prez Vance refuses to back Netanyahu's re-election bid

Washington: US Vice President JD Vance has declined to publicly endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election campaign, distancing himself from President Donald Trump, who had expressed full support for the embattled Israeli leader just hours earlier, according to reports.

In an interview with journalist Mark Halperin, Vance said his priority was the upcoming US midterm elections and that he did not intend to interfere in another country's electoral process.

Vance made the remarks while campaigning for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley in North Carolina. Although he acknowledged Trump's influential political backing, he stressed that his support was reserved for American candidates.

His position contrasts with his earlier campaigning for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, making his refusal to publicly support Netanyahu particularly notable amid tensions surrounding Israel's leadership.

Vance has criticised hardline elements within the Israeli establishment over their approach to the conflict with Iran. In June, he attacked those opposing Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the war. Speaking on the Joe Rogan podcast in July, he alleged that some Israeli interests were attempting to manipulate American public opinion to prolong the conflict indefinitely.

The vice president's latest stance comes amid concerns within sections of the American Jewish community and among supporters of the US-Israel alliance. His close relationship with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has also reportedly caused unease among some Jewish leaders in the Republican Party.

While Trump continues to stand firmly behind Netanyahu, Vance's refusal to endorse the Israeli leader highlights a growing divergence in their public positions on Israel. His comments also underscore the political sensitivity surrounding US involvement in Israel's electoral contest, particularly as Washington remains deeply engaged in regional diplomacy.