U.S. Vice President JD Vance has declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections, marking a departure from the position taken by President Donald Trump, who recently voiced his support for Netanyahu’s reelection bid.

In an interview aboard Air Force Two with journalist Mark Halperin, Vance emphasized his focus on domestic American politics, specifically the midterm elections, and expressed reluctance to engage in foreign electoral contests. “I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on is the midterm,” he said. When pressed on the matter of Netanyahu’s reelection, Vance reiterated that he was neither for nor against endorsing the Israeli leader. “I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections,” he added.

Vance’s position contrasts with Trump’s previous vocal support for Netanyahu, underscoring differing approaches within the U.S. administration regarding foreign political endorsements. Notably, earlier this year, Vance traveled to Budapest, Hungary, to campaign for Viktor Orbán, the incumbent Hungarian Prime Minister whom Trump had endorsed ahead of Hungary’s elections. Despite Vance’s efforts, Orbán was ultimately defeated.

Vance’s decision not to openly back Netanyahu is viewed by some observers as a strategic choice to avoid complicating U.S. political alignments amid a politically sensitive period both domestically and internationally. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces a competitive reelection campaign as Israel grapples with internal divisions and regional concerns.

The U.S. administration’s stance on foreign electoral matters remains a subject of close attention, as endorsements can influence diplomatic relations and electoral outcomes. Vance’s comments suggest a cautious approach in distinguishing between domestic political support and foreign electoral involvement, even as other U.S. officials continue to weigh in on the political landscape abroad.