During an interview with journalist Mark Halperin on Monday, Vance was asked about the Israeli election and Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu. While acknowledging the influence of the president's political support, he made it clear that he would not involve himself in Israel's electoral contest.
"The president has the most influential endorsement in American or international political history," Vance said. "I endorse American candidates, and that's where I'm focused on the midterms," he added while travelling to North Carolina to campaign for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley. "So, I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections."
Vance's remarks came a day after Trump endorsed Netanyahu for re-election, highlighting a difference in their public approaches to the Israeli leader's campaign.
The vice president has, however, previously campaigned in support of a foreign leader. Last spring, he travelled to Hungary to support then-prime minister Viktor Orban, whose right-wing party subsequently lost the country's parliamentary election.
Vance Faces Questions Over Israel and Antisemitism
Vance's decision not to endorse Netanyahu comes at a sensitive moment for US-Israel relations, as concerns about antisemitism in American politics intensify ahead of the midterm elections.
Republicans have sought to portray Democratic candidates, including Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, as hostile towards Jewish people and Israel. At the same time, divisions over Israel and antisemitism have emerged within Republican political ranks.
The vice president has also faced questions from Jewish Republicans about his commitment to Jewish Americans and the US alliance with Israel.
Last month, Vance addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), a prominent Republican group that advocates strong US ties with Israel and opposes antisemitism, during a private meeting in Las Vegas.
He reportedly left a positive impression on those attending the meeting but stopped short of disavowing conservative podcast host Tucker Carlson.
Carlson, a former Fox News host, faced criticism last year for interviewing Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist known for his antisemitic views. Vance's association with Carlson has consequently drawn broader scrutiny.
Vance Previously Criticised Netanyahu's Government Over Iran War
Vance's latest comments also come against the backdrop of tensions over the Israeli government's position on Trump's efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran.
In June, the vice president sharply criticised members of Netanyahu's government for opposing Trump's efforts to end the war with Iran.
The following month, Vance accused some Israeli government figures of attempting to influence American public opinion to undermine negotiations.
"There are some people within their system that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely," he said during an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast.
His earlier criticism highlighted disagreements within the US-Israel relationship over the war and diplomatic efforts. Vance's refusal to endorse Netanyahu now adds another distinction between his public position and Trump's support for the Israeli prime minister, as the United States approaches its midterm elections and debates over Israel, antisemitism and foreign policy remain prominent within American politics.
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