As Israelis prepare to go to the polls Oct. 27 for the first national elections since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, President Donald Trump has endorsed Netanyahu for reelection, posting on social media that the Israeli leader "has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran."
In response to Hamas' horrific actions, Netanyahu declared at the time, "We are at war" and vowed that Hamas would pay an "unprecedented price" for killing approximately 1,200 people. He ordered a large-scale military response, including airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, with the stated goals of destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities, freeing the hostages and preventing future attacks.
Vance has expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself but has questioned Netanyahu's decisions, criticizing what he sees as an overly militaristic American response and emphasizing the need to limit civilian suffering in Gaza.
And during an interview Monday while traveling to campaign for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley of North Carolina, Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu.
"The president has the most influential endorsement in American or international political history," Vance responded when journalist Mark Halperin asked whether he personally endorsed the Israeli prime minister.
"I endorse American candidates, and that's where I'm focused on, the midterms," Vance said. "I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections."
"So, you don't want to say one way or the other?" Halperin pressed.
"I'm not anti-endorsing him; I'm not pro-endorsing him. I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections," Vance reiterated.
Some commentators suspect the vice president is deliberately keeping his distance from Netanyahu because of disagreements over Israel's war policy, a desire to prioritize American interests and political calculations about the future of the Republican Party.
Washington Times columnist Robert Knight does not know why Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu, but he thinks "he should have."
"If he did so because he's getting bad advice, maybe he ought to rethink from whom he's getting advice," Knight suggests.
He calls Netanyahu "an amazing leader" who is "standing in the gap."
"Little Israel is fighting the battle for the whole Western world," Knight states. "They've taken losses, and they've still stood firm."
Netanyahu's main political opponent in next week's election is Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces who leads the centrist Yashar party.
Eisenkot has gained momentum in some recent polls, but neither side is assured an election win, and Israel's parliamentary system means Netanyahu could remain prime minister even if his party finishes second.
"I'm glad President Trump endorsed him," Knight adds.
